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with  care. 

The  University  of  Connecticut 
Libraries,  Storrs 


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FRANCIS  GUENON. 


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HOW  TO  SELECT  COWS;     r- 

OK  \   DO 

THE  GUENON  SYSTEM 

SIMPLIFIED,  EXPLAINED,  AND  PRACTICALLY  APPLIED. 

BT 

WILLIS  P.  HAZARD, 

Hecretary  of  the  Pennsylvania  Guenon  Commission  ;  Pi'esident  of  the  Chad's  Ford 
Farmers'  Club;  a  Vice-President  of  the  American  Dairyma7i's  Associati07i; 
Lecturer  upon    Agriculture   at   the   Delaware   State    College,  &c., 
&e.;    Author  of  Treatises   ^' On  the  Jersey,  Guernsey,  and 
Alderney  Cow,"  and  ♦'  On  Butter  and  Butter-mak- 
ing;"  ^^  The  Annals  of  Philadelphia,"  &c. 


<r- 


•WITH  NUASL"?  ICO  rLLTTSTEATIONS 
Photographed  fTom  Guenon''s  engravings. 


PHILADELPHIA: 
J.  M.  STODDART  &  CO.,  1018  Chestnut  Street. 

1882 


R^Z.-^) 


Copyrighted 
According  to  Act  of  Congress 

1879. 


PREFACE. 


The  want  has  long  been  felt  for  a  hand  book  which  would  simplify  and 
explain  the  invaluable  discovery  of  Guenon,  to  enable  any  one  to  select 
good  stock.  There  can  be  no  doubt  if  this  discovery  is  made  to  be  easily 
acquired,  that  millions  of  dollars  would  be  saved  to  the  community  by  the 
improvement  of  herds  and  a  consequent  reduction  in  the  price  of  bovine 
products,  on  account  of  the  increased  yield  and  the  lower  cost  of  raising  it. 

The  State  of  Pennsylvania,  in  1818,  appointed  a  commission  to  test  the 
system  and  report  upon  it.  As  a  member  of  that  commission,  we  found 
there  was  with  many  a  superficial  knowledge  of  the  subject,  with  others 
enough  acquaintance  with  the  system  to  destroy  their  faith  in  it,  and  with 
nearly  all  a  desire  to  obtain  suflScient  practical  knowledge  of  the  system 
to  enable  them  to  judge  understandingly  and  to  practice  it. 

With  a  view  to  fill  these  wants,  we  have  undertaken  the  explanation  of 
the  system  in  the  following  pages  to  enable  all  to  fill  up  their  measure  of 
knowledge  of  the  system,  so  that  the  superficial  shall  become  thorough, 
the  doubting  acquire  new  faith,  and  all  see  its  merits  the  more  they  prac- 
tice and  apply  it. 

We  have  accordingly  given  a  sketch  of  M.  Guenon  and  the  progress  of 
his  discovery ;  some  extracts  from  his  preface  explaining  his  views ;  an 
explanation  of  his  system  of  escutcheon  marks  ;  a  description  of  the  vari- 
ous escutcheons  and  their  indications  of  value  and  quantity,  and  directions 
how  to  practically  apply  them,  together  with  the  report  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Guenon  Commission. 

Believing  that  we  have  thus  presented  a  comprehensive  view  of  this  dis- 
covery, we  trust  every  one  into  whose  hands  this  work  may  come,  will 
patiently,  book  in  hand,  go  into  the  farm-yard  and  judge  of  the  value  of 
his  stock  by  the  rules  here  set  forth,  compare  the  results  with  his  indi- 
vidual knowledge  of  his  stock,  and  fairly  estimate  the  value  of  the  system. 

The  illustrations  of  the  escutcheons  are  photographed  from  Guenon's 
drawings  in  his  last  revised  edition. 

WILLIS  P.  HAZARD. 

Maple  Knoll,  West  Chester,  Pa.,  September^  1879. 


LECTURES 

oif  THE  gue]S'o:n^  system. 


The  author  of  this  work  having  been  invited  to  lectui'e  a  number  of 
times  before  agricultural  societies,  and  being  constantly  in  receipt  of  let. 
ters  of  inquiry  about  repeating  his  lectures,  takes  this  public  opportunity 
to  announce  that  he  will  make  arrangements  to  repeat  his  lecture  on  the 
Guenon  system,  illustrated  with  a  series  of  large  drawings.  Correspond- 
ence is  solicited  with  officers  of  agricultural  societies,  granges,  agricultural 
fairs,  colleges,  farmers'  clubs,  and  dairymen's  associations.  His  principal 
object  being  to  disseminate  widely  a  knowledge  of  a  system  of  such  great 
value  to  his  brother  farmers,  the  terms  will  be  satisfactory. 

At  each  lecture  practical  illustrations  and  instruction  is  given  in  the 
barn-yard  or  field.     Address  him  at 

WEST  CHESTER, 

Chester  County, 

Pennsylvania. 


LECTURE  UPO^  THE  CHANNEL  ISLANDS, 
THEIR  PEOPLE,  AKD  THE  CATTLE. 


The  author  having  recently  spent  several  months  in  Guernsej'  and  Jersey 
for  the  purpose  of  studying  the  habits  of  the  people,  viewing  the  scenery, 
and  acquiring  a  knowledge  of  the  agriculture,  and  the  breeding  of  their 
cattle,  has  embodied  the  results  of  his  visits  in  a  lecture,  which  he  is  now 
prepared  to  deliver  before  agricultural  and  other  associations. 


LECTURES  UPOIS^  AGRICULTURE. 


The  author  having  been  appointed  Lecturer  upon  Agriculture  to  the 
Delaware  State  College,  at  Newark,  Del.,  will  repeat  all  or  part  of  the 
course  to  farmers'  institutes,  colleges,  schools,  &.c.  Tlie  lectures  are  i)opu- 
lar  in  character,  and  not  too  scientific  for  general  comprehension. 


gue]S'o:n^'S  introduction^ 
to  his  new  reyised  edition. 


Error  is  propagated  with  the  rapidity  of  lightning ;  before  it  every  ob- 
stacle disappears,  and  popular  favor  seems  to  welcome  it.  Truth,  on  the 
contrary,  is  received  with  indifference,  often  even  with  doubt,  suspicion, 
and  distrust.  Indeed,  how  often  have  we  not  seen  the  author  of  a  dis- 
covery which,  having  been  accepted  and  realized  ought  to  have  advanced 
the  public  good  and  increased  the  general  welfare,  come  into  contact  with 
the  hatred,  the  ignorance,  and  the  envy,  and  thus  become  the  laughter  of 
fools  and  the  jest  of  the  wise.  To  some  the  inventor  seemed  without  good 
sense ;  to  others  an  ignoramus.  Too  feeble  to  struggle  against  all,  he 
died  broken  hearted,  and  left  to  his  powerful  antagonists  the  glory  of 
having,  perhaps  for  ages,  buried  his  discovery,  and  to  those  who  bring  to 
perfection  cities  and  fields  the  deprivation  of  a  good  up  to  that  time  un- 
known. 

If  more  happy  than  those  martyrs  for  a  new  idea,  I  should  reach,  at  last, 
that  which  concerns  me,  after  twelve  years  of  incessant  struggles,  to  cause 
the  truth  to  appear  to  the  eyes  of  all,  I  should  have  nothing  more  to  de- 
sire. Nothing  would  remain  for  me,  except  to  bless  the  generous  hearts 
which  shall  hav^e  aided  me  in  triumphing  over  routine  and  error;  then  on 
quitting  this  world,  only  to  bequeath  the  worthy  men  who  have  so  bravely 
encouraged  and  seconded  my  efforts,  the  task  of  simplifying  my  discovery, 
and  rendering  my  method  popular  to  cause  the  analytical  knowledge  of 
cattle  to  penetrate  even  into  the  most  obscure  hamlet,  and  while  dividing 
thus  with  me  the  glory  of  having  done  this  good,  their  names  will  be  held 
in  grateful  rememberance  by  future  generations ;  such  has  been  the  idea 
which  has  guided  every  moment  of  my  life,  all  the  efforts  of  my  mind. 

For  nearly  twelve  years,  since  I  have  given  my  method  to  the  public, 
through  a  first  edition  of  my  ''  Treatise  on  Milch  Cows,"  the  savants  and 
the  practitioners  have  been  greatly  prepossessed  with  it.  When  they  have 
seen  me  make  a  successful  application  before  them  of  my  system,  by  a 
single  inspection  of  animals  which  I  saw  for  the  first  time,  they  have 
expressed  a  lively  surprise. 

In  the  vegetable  kingdom,  skillful  nurserymen  have  distinguished  more 
than  eighty  different  orders  of  pears  of  summer,  of  autumn,  and  of  winter ; 
each  of  these  orders  has  its  distinctive  characteristics,  as  many  for  the 


6  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

shape  and  the  taste  of  the  fruit,  as  for  the  time  of  ripening.  And  when  a 
tree-grower  or  an  amateur  is  sufficiently  skillful,  he  distinguishes  marvel- 
ously  all  these  species  one  from  another  by  a  single  inspection,  and  at 
whatever  time  of  year  it  may  be.  He  knows  equally  well  what  exposure 
it  is  necessary  to  give  to  each  of  them  to  obtain  exquisite  fruits. 

My  first  studies  had  been  directed  toward  arboriculture.  I  have  prac- 
ticed with  my  father  during  many  years.  My  principal  occupation  was 
the  cutting  of  trees,  grafts,  both  splits  and  bandages,  and  by  stud3'ing 
vegetables,  I  had  acquired  the  idea  of  and  an  insight  into  classifications. 

I  was  better  prepared  thus  for  my  work  of  classifying  the  bovine  race, 
a  work  which  no  one  had  ever  tried,  either  theoretically  or  practically. 

My  classification  of  the  characteristic  signs,  embraces  all  the  races  of 
France  and  other  countries,  without  distinction  of  sex  or  age. 

Unknown,  up  to  this  day,  although  they  have  always  existed,  these 
signs  have  escaped  all  the  world,  even  the  sagacity  of  the  most  celebrated 
painters,  as  well  as  that  of  veterinary  doctors  of  the  highest  reputations  of 
all  times. 

The  appearance  of  my  method  should  mark  an  era,  for  it  opposes  and 
overturns  all  the  prejudiced  routines  according  to  which  people  have 
practiced  up  to  this  time. 

It  opens  a  new  era  in  an  art  in  its  infancy,  in  a  science  whose  first  prin- 
ciples even  were  unknown.  I  should  then  expound  it  with  the  greatest 
detail. 

This  method  is  of  the  greatest  simplicity,  whatever  has  been  possible 
to  be  said  of  it,  and  whoever  will  become  thoroughly  familiar  with  the 
escutcheon  of  the  first  order  of  each  class,  will  be  able  to  judge  of  all. 

Escutcheons  are  ten  in  number.  They  extend,  according  to  their  class, 
from  the  centre  of  the  four  teats  to  the  level  of  the  upper  extremity  of 
the  vulva,  and  may  extend  in  breadth  from  the  middle  of  the  hinder  sur- 
face of  one  leg,  to  the  middle  of  the  hinder  surface  of  the  other.  By  their 
form  or  configuration,  escutcheons  characterize  and  distinguish  the  ten 
families  which  together  constitute  my  classification.  Behold,  then,  t© 
.what  is  reduced,  in  reality,  this  pretended  immense  complication. 

A  special  figure,  placed  at  the  end  of  each  class,  serves  to  indicate  mon- 
grel animals. 

Each  of  the  classes  or  families  is  characterized  by  an  escutcheon  of 
fixed  form,  always  similar  to  itself,  while  one  does  not  get  out  of  that 
class  or  that  family,  but  variable  in  the  dimensions  of  its  surface.  That 
dimension  or  that  surface  should  be  estimated  by  square  centimeters,  but 
that  would  be  too  complicated  for  the  practical  man ;  since  it  depends  on 
the  size  of  the  individual,  it  is  estimated  by  the  limits  of  the  escutcheon 
placed  on  the  hinder  part  of  the  animal.  The  extreme  limits  arc  the 
hams,  the  interior  surface  of  the  legs  and  vulva.  The  surface  of  the  es- 
cutcheon, of  which  the  extent  varies,  has  permitted  mc  to  divide  each  class 
or  family  into  six  orders,  for  each  one  of  which  I  assign,  in  taking  account 
of  the  shape,  the  quantity,  the  continuation,  and  the  quality  of  the  milk. 


Yarieties  op  the  Escutcheon.  *l 

The  escutcheon  of  the  first  order  is  the  most  developed ;  is  also  the  best 
marked.  The  escutcheon  of  each  of  the  five  other  orders  is  similar  in 
form  to  that  of  the  first  order.  It  is,  in  some  sort,  only  a  proportionate 
reduction — a  diminutive.  It  is  the  escutcheon  of  the  first  order,  with  the 
dimensions  reduced  or  brought  within  less  extended  limits,  reaching  no 
longer  the  hock  nor  longer  covering  the  interior  of  the  thighs,  nor  yet 
reaching  up  to  the  vulva,  remaining  consequently  at  a  distance  greater  or 
or  less  from  these  boundaries. 

I  have  added  to  this  new  edition — 

1st.  Two  new  classes,  sub-divided  also  into  six  orders,  (the  Left  Flan- 
ders and  the  Double  Selvage.) 

2d.  Two  varieties  of  escutcheons,  having  some  similarity  with  the  others. 

3d.  Finally,  the  classification  of  the  bull. 

These  three  additions,  unpublished  until  now,  complete  and  generalize 
the  system  of  characteristic  signs,  by  which  one  can  prove  the  absolute  and 
relative  superiority  or  inferiority  of  each  individual  of  the  race. 

These  new  forms  of  escutcheons  were  known  to  me  at  the  time  of  the 
publication  of  my  first  issue,  and  which  I  had  already  announced ;  but 
they  occurred  so  rarely  in  the  races  which  were  familiar  to  me,  that  I 
thought  they  were  not  worth  publishing. 

But,  now,  since  I  have  traveled  so  much,  not  only  in  France,  but  in  for- 
eign countries,  I  have  convinced  myself  that  these  classes  occur  much 
more  commonly  in  certain  races  than  I  had  thought  at  first.  I  have  felt 
the  necessity  of  putting  them  in  my  method,  and  have  given  them  their 
proper  place. 

In  respect  to  the  two  new  varieties  of  escutcheons,  they  are  like  an  appen- 
dix to  the  classification,  and  characterize  the  product  of  crossing  between 
different  classes. 

To  state  precisely  their  signification  and  to  value  their  corresponding 
milk  product,  it  is  necessary  to  compare  these  escutcheons  with  the  order 
of  the  class  to  which  they  are  the  most  analogous. 

When  I  shall  ha^e  described  the  diflferent  families  of  true  cows,  as  well 
as  their  division  into  orders,  the  yield  or  the  quantity  of  milk,  their  buty- 
raceous  qualities,  and  the  greater  or  less  period  of  its  duration  of  yield 
during  gestation,  I  will  pass  to  the  bastard  cows,  which,  though  perfectly 
similar  in  form  and  color  to  others,  difler  essentially  from  them,  for  they 
lose  their  milk  as  soon  as  they  are  pregnant. 

This  close  resemblance  is  a  source  of  errors  to  the  most  practiced  judges. 

Thus  have  I  wished  in  the  description  of  classification,  to  point  out  pre- 
cisely the  distinctive  signs  by  the  aid  of  which  one  can  easily  recognize 
them.  After  the  study  of  bastard  cows,  comes  the  chapter  of  bull  re-pro- 
ductors.  I  have  made  plain,  that  in  the  classifications  of  bulls,  I  have  re- 
duced to  three  the  numbers  of  orders  of  each  class,  in  order  to  bring  the 
application  of  the  method  to  the  most  simple  expression.  The  first  will 
comprehend  all  the  bulls,  the  good  re-producers ;  the  second,  the  re-pro- 


8  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

ducers  of  middling  quality;  the  third,  the  bad  re-producers.  I  mean  by- 
bad,  those  in  which  fails  the  ability  for  the  transmission  of  the  lactiferous 
qualities.  As  one  sees,  the  characteristic  signs  with  the  males,  as  with 
the  females,  have  a  significant  value  of  the  highest  importance.  With  the 
bull,  they  portray  the  re-productive  qualities,  and  with  the  cows  the  lac- 
tiferous qualities.  The  observers  who  will  apply  my  system  of  one  kind, 
as  rigorously  for  the  males  as  for  the  females,  will  observe  in  the  passage 
of  one  order  to  the  other,  the  same  scale  of  proportion  that  this  estab- 
lished in  the  classification  of  the  cows.  Although  the  classification  bears 
more  on  the  lactiferous  or  re-productive  properties  than  on  the  others,  it 
is  important  to  take  in  consideration  all  the  other  qualities  that  the  indi- 
viduals can  and  ought  to  possess  to  be  of  an  irreproachable  organization. 

The  cows  of  the  first  and  second  order  of  each  class,  in  all  the  races, 
will  always  give  in  the  same  country,  a  greater  abundance  of  milk  than 
those  of  inferior  orders.  To  recognize  the  lactiferous  produce  of  cows, 
whatever  may  be  their  class  or  the  locality  that  they  inhabit,  it  suffices 
simply  to  know  the  quality  of  the  food  which  makes  the  habitual  nourish- 
ment of  the  cows  in  the  place  where  they  are  kept. 

In  following  in  his  appreciation,  the  degree  of  superiority  or  of  inferi- 
ority of  the  escutcheon,  one  will  judge  close  upon  the  daily  quantity  of 
milk  that  all  the  cows  of  the  same  country  are  apt  to  give,  for  one  will 
know  then  in  what  proportion  all  the  figures  of  the  classification  should 
be  modified.  A  milk  cow  ought  to  be  neither  too  fat  nor  too  lean,  to  give 
her  maximum  of  milk.  All  confinements  in  a  period  of  thinness  is  prejudi- 
cial to  the  habitual  produce.  Even  when  the  animal  would  have  recovered 
her  strength,  she  will  not  recuperate  so  as  to  restore  the  quantity  of  her 
milk  ;  that  can  take  place  only  after  a  year,  and  by  means  of  a  new  calf. 
A  great  milk  cow,  whatever  may  be  her  aptness  for  fattening,  and  her  con- 
dition of  fat  at  the  time  of  calving,  becomes  thin  about  fifteen  or  twenty 
days  after  calving ;  the  time  of  her  rut  is  therefore  less  near  than  that  of 
a  poor  milk  cow,  because  her  vital  forces  are  weaker.  Witness  the  quan- 
tity of  her  yield,  which  is  only  that  of  a  cow  of  medium  product. 

One  can  compare  a  milch  cow  to  a  fruit  tree,  which  gives  more  fruit  this 
year  than  the  next.  When  the  sap  of  the  tree  carries  vigor  to  the  develop- 
ment of  the  fruit,  the  growth  of  the  wood  remains  nearly  stationary.  When, 
on  the  contrary,  the  tree  gives  but  little  fruit,  the  sap  turns  to  the  profit 
of  the  wood,  to  give,  after  a  repose  of  several  years,  a  greater  quantity  of 
fruit,  and  to  continue  thus  by  alternative  successions. 

It  is  the  same  with  the  cow,  for  it  is  seldom  that  her  produce  keeps  the 
same  during  three  consecutive  years,  for  the  reason  that,  when  the  nourish- 
ment absorbed  by  her  turns  to  the  profit  of  the  milk,  the  milk  is  more 
abundant ;  when,  on  the  contrary,  the  nourishment  goes  to  fat,  the  milk 
diminishes. 

The  variations  in  the  milk  quantity  should  be  justly  attributed  to  the 
influence  of  atmospheric  circumstances  of  the  seasons,  which  react  on  the 


Circumstances  Altering  the  Valuations.  9 

quality  of  hay  and  fodder  in  augmenting  or  diminishing  the  nutritive  juices 
of  the  food. 

Cows  which  are  fed  in  good  pastures  surpass  the  product  which  I  have 
assigned  to  their  class  and  their  order,  while  those  which  are  in  poor  and 
wet  pastures  have  necessarily  inferior  produce,  unless  the  latter  have  in 
the  stable  nourishing  food,  more  abundant  and  more  succulent  than  they 
are  able  to  get  for  themselves  out  of  doors. 

If,  for  example,  the  well-fed  cows,  or  those  grazing  on  rich  pasture 
lands,  should  give  as  much  as  twenty  to  twenty-five  quarts  of  milk  per 
day ;  these  same  cows,  taken  and  fed  on  poor  pasture,  will  give  only  about 
ten  or  twelve  quarts. 

If,  on  the  contrary,  one  takes  the  cows  raised  on  a  poor  soil,  transfers 
them  to  rich  pastures,  the  milk  produce  of  these  same  cows  will  be  superior 
to  that  they  gave  in  their  original  lands. 

My  readers  should  well  understand  that  in  the  valuations  of  my  classi- 
fications that  I  have  not  pretended  to  assign  a  rigorous  and  absolute  amount. 
I  have  been  only  able  to  give  an  approximate  figure  to  each  class  and  to 
each  order,  adoj^ting  the  medium  limit  of  the  ordinary  amount  of  the  dif- 
ferent breeds  of  various  localities. 

The  atmosphere,  the  care,  and  the  different  foods  of  each  country,  all 
these  different  things  exercise  upon  the  animal,  an  influence  favorable  or 
unfavorable,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  soil. 

There  are  many  other  circumstances  which  should  be  considered,  and 
which  would  disturb  the  harmony  of  the  figures  of  my  valuation  and  the 
normal  quantity.  Such  are,  for  example,  the  case  of  sickness,  accidents, 
&c.  That  is  the  reason  I  have  adopted,  in  determining  the  quantity  of 
cows  of  each  order,  a  medium  figure,  such  as  is  shown  in  the  classification. 

I  will  also  observe,  relative  to  those  animals  to  which  I  assign  approxi- 
mate weight  in  the  course  of  this  work,  that,  following  the  customs  of  com- 
merce, of  sale,  and  of  butchers,  this  weight  is  dead  weight,  the  animal  be- 
ing deprived  of  the  skin,  intestines,  head,  feet,  &c. 

If,  contrary  to  custom,  I  had  acted  otherwise,  and  had  made  the  calcu- 
lation for  the  animal  on  the  hoof,  the  figures  given  by  me  would  present  a 
great  difference,  which  would  increase  according  to  the  amount  of  fat,  some- 
times to  double  the  weight. 

The  discovery  which  I  have  made  of  the  value  of  the  escutcheon  is  desig- 
nated by  the  contrary  direction  of  the  hair,  and  which  had  escaped  the  at- 
tention of  every  one,  even  those  most  interested  in  gaining  the  knowledge 
of  it.  It  is  necessary  also  to  avow  the  effect  produced  by  the  change  of 
direction  of  the  hair  is  not  glaring  on  the  animal.  It  is  merely  a  difference 
of  luster,  and  the  gloss  on  the  surface  of  the  escutcheon  and  the  part  of 
the  skin  surrounding  it.  The  hair  of  the  escutcheon  is  finer,  shorter,  more 
furry,  and  more  silky.  Its  appearance,  at  the  first  glance,  makes  one  think 
this  part  of  the  animal  has  been  shaved.  Compared  with  the  ordinary 
hair,  the  skin  of  the  udder  appears  to  be  more  designed  to  be  quicker  seen 
on  the  part  where  appears  the  escutcheon. 


10  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

All  animals  of  the  bovine  species,  without  excepting  even  wild  animals, 
are  marked  with  an  escutcheon,  large,  small,  or  medium,  I'egular  or  irregular. 
Their  characteristic  sign  is  transmitted  with  the  generating  germ. 

I  have  not  thought  it  necessary  to  say  much  on  that  portion  of  the 
escutcheon  which  extends  on  the  stomach  of  the  beast  towards  the  navel. 
This  addition  has  been  thought  useless.  Enough  is  shown  of  the  escut- 
cheon when  she  is  standing. 

In  order  to  see  well  the  escutcheons  with  all  the  fullness  which  my 
sketches  give  them,  it  must  be  supposed  that  the  udder  of  each  cow  is  seen 
at  its  greatest  plenitude  of  milk,  such  as  would  separate  the  hind  legs  to 
the  greatest  extent.  In  this  way  the  escutcheon  is  seen  as  if  the  entire 
skin  of  the  animal  was  placed  flat,  or  as  if  the  envelope  of  the  milk  bear- 
ing apparatus  formed  a  plain  surface,  on  which  are  drawn  the  elevations, 
the  depressions,  and  all  that  is  not  visible  to  the  eye,  without  the  aid  of 
hands  or  of  movement  of  the  cow,  both  that  which  is  hidden  at  the  fur- 
ther side  and  in  the  folds  of  the  udder  and  of  the  thighs  of  the  animal  on 
foot. 

In  order  to  examine  and  to  distinguish  perfectly  the  escutcheon,  one 
should  place  himself  behind  the  animal  and  make  it  advance  some  steps, 
in  such  manner  that  the  movements  which  it  makes  in  walking  should 
show,  one  after  another,  the  parts  which  one  needs  to  see. 

One  can  also,  in  passing  the  nails  over  the  space  occupied  by  the  escut- 
cheon and  leading  the  hand  downward  from  above,  in  a  manner  contrary 
to  the  rising  hair,  and  ruffling  it,  recognize  without  diflSculty  its  form  and 
its  extent. 

Theoretical  explanations  are  always  abstract  and  diffuse  in  their  develop- 
ment. My  method  may  at  first  appear  diflScult  and  complicated,  which, 
indeed,  pretended  savans  have  chosen  to  affirm.  Nevertheless  it  is  not  so, 
and  in  order  to  comprehend  it,  it  is  sufficient  to  study  it.  It  is  with  this 
as  with  everything  else,  to  know  it  is  necessary  to  study  and  to  practice. 

The  beautiful  art  which  I  am  about  to  explain  to  agriculturists  is  most 
easily  acquired.  Its  technical  dictionary  is  composed  only  of  certain 
words,  of  which  the  readers  should,  first  of  all,  know  perfectly  the  precise 
signification. 

These  words  are  Escutcheons^  Epis  or  Tufts  ascending,  and  Epis  or 
Tufts  descending.  After  he  knows  perfectly  the  different  forms  and  the 
importance  of  these  characteristic  signs,  he  will  know  the  whole  subject  as 
well  as  I  do  myself. 

The  Epis  or  Tuft,  as  one  will  see,  participates  with  the  escutcheon  in  the 
distinction  of  the  orders — it  multiplies  the  sub-divisions.  It  seems  at  the 
same  time  to  complicate  my  method  and  to  render  it  less  accessible ;  but 
I  have  not  felt  myself  at  liberty  to  omit  it,  since  it  has  an  incontcstiblo 
and  important  value. 

If,  among  certain  animals,  the  form  and  extent  of  characteristic  signs 
are  not  exactly  those  of  the  drawings,  but  a  sort  of  intermediate  between 


Final  Explanations.  11 

the  cUaracterislic  signs  of  two  classes,  he  who  applies  the  method  should 
approximate  them  to  the  drawing  of  the  classification  from  which  they 
differ  the  least,  and  fi*om  that  deduce  the  probable  value. 

To  render  my  work  perfectly  clear,  I  had  to  enter  into  the  developments 
veiy  much  in  detail.  Nevertheless,  so  extensive  are  these  details  that  I 
believe  I  have  given  neither  too  many  nor  too  few,  and  have  confined  my- 
self simply  within  the  limits  of  the  possible,  the  indispensible  and  the 
useful. 

And  now,  whoever  my  opponents  may  be,  I  proclaim  boldly  and  with- 
out fear,  that  the  escutcheon  is  the  only  incontestible  characteristic  sign 
that  can  enable  one  to  discern,  by  simple  inspection,  the  aptitude  for  milk 
production  of  each  animal. 

All  animals  of  the  bovine  species  in  good  state  of  health,  to  which  no 
accident  has  happened,  and  whose  escutcheons  are  of  the  first  orders  of  each 
class,  will  manifest  always,  and  without  exception,  as  much  for  the  pro- 
duction of  milk  as  for  generative  ability. 

Beauty  of  form,  to  my  thinking,  represents  but  an  ideal,  and  although 
one  ought  to  take  it  into  consideration,  it  is  a  simple  accessory  without 
value  of  its  own,  when  the  question  is  that  of  the  production  of  milk. 

May  I  have  been  able  to  justify  by  this  work  the  fruit  of  the  experience 
of  my  whole  life,  the  honor  done  me  by  many  agricultural  societies  in  ad- 
mitting me  to  their  membership,  and  by  the  government  which  has  shared 
the  expense  of  this  new  edition,  with  the  two-fold  purpose  of  encouraging 
my  efforts  and  facilitating  the  propagation  of  my  method. 


12  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

GUEIS^O^'S  METHOD  OF  JUDGIJS'G  OF  THE 
YALUE  OF  STOCK. 


Fifty  years  ago  there  was  dawning  upon  the  world  the  first  ray  of  a  great 
discovery.  A  star  was  rising  in  the  agricultural  world,  which  was  about  to 
shed  new  light,  and  like  many  other  valuable  discoveries,  it  was  made  by 
one  among  the  lowly,  and  partly  by  chance.  The  author  of  this  new  dis- 
covery has  said,  "  Error  flies  with  the  rapidity  of  lightning,  all  obstacles 
vanish  before  it.  Truth,  on  the  contrary,  is  admitted  coldly,  often  even 
with  doubt,  suspicion,  and  distrust."  It  is  owing  partly  to  this,  partly  to 
the  fact  that  this  new  light  was  given  to  the  world  when  the  mind  of 
farmers  were  not  ready  to  receive  new  ideas  of  progress  as  they  now  seek 
them,  and  much  to  the  fact  that  it  was  the  invention  of  a  foreigner  described 
in  a  foreign  tongue.  True  a  translation  of  it  was  made  through  the 
medium  of  an  American  monthly  magazine  of  agriculture  ;  but  it  was  one 
of  limited  circulation.  At  that  time  the  number  of  periodicals  devoted 
to  that  interest  was  few,  and  such  new  and  important  questions  were  not 
throughly  discussed  and  the  knowledge  of  them  placed  in  every  farm-house 
in  the  land,  as  it  is  at  the  present  day.  Shortly  after  the  appearance  of 
M.  Guenon's  treatise  in  the  magazine,  it  was  reprinted  in  book  form,  and 
received  the  large  circulation  of  sixty-five  thousand  copies,  between  that 
time  and  now,  and  the  book  most  probably  sells  better  to-day  than  it  did 
then.  By  many  who  procured  that  book  the  subject  was  studied,  and  ad- 
vantage taken  of  its  revelations,  being  stored  away  in  the  reader's  mind 
for  actual  practice.  By  the  great  majority  it  was  read,  but  not  studied  ; 
driven  from  it  by  the  apparent  complications  of  the  system  and  the  two 
hundred  sub-divisions  of  it ;  by  many,  perhaps,  it  was  attempted  to  be  put 
into  practice,  but  without  their  having  given  the  subject  that  close  inves- 
tigation which  was  needed  to  prove  the  system  correct.  It  was  mostly  by 
this  class  of  persons,  because  the  system  was  not  found  to  be  infallible, 
that  it  was  denounced  and  given  up,  even  by  men  otherwise  intelligent ; 
as  if  anything  human  could  be  infallible.  Thus  it  is  that  by  the  ignorant 
its  revelations  were  received  with  incredulitj^,  and  by  many  of  the  intelli- 
gent with  doubt;  but  to  the  earnest  seekers  after  practical  information,  it 
has  unfolded  a  mine  of  wealth,  and  they  have  proved  the  system  by  con- 
tinuous experience,  and  found  it  to  be  the  most  reliable  mode  of  judging 
of  the  value  of  every  member  of  the  bovine  species. 

It  was  a  happy  thought  that  suggested  itself  to  the  Pennsylvania  State 
Board  of  Agriculture,  to  have  the  system  tested  by  uninterested  parties. 
But  extremely  difficult,  it  was,  to  obtain  persons  to  make  the  test.  Foi 
those  to  whom  application  was  made  declined  it  on  various  grounds, 
principally  because,  as  Guenon  himself  has  stated  in  his  latest  edition, 


Early  Life  of  Guenon.  13 

many  pretended  savans  would  endeavor  to  throw  ridicule  upon  it ;  many 
others  would  identify  the  gentlemen  making  the  tests  with  it,  as  if  it  was 
their  system  that  they  were  testing ;  while  not  a  few  still  more  narrow- 
minded,  would  think  they  were  trying  to  humbug  them.  Thus  it  was 
difficult  to  fill  the  places,  which  offered  neither  honor  nor  profit. 

It  will  be  seen,  by  these  extracts,  that  the  Governor  appointed  three 
experts  to  test  the  system.  This  they  did  in  the  summer  of  1878,  exam- 
ining two  hundred  cows,  jotting  down  their  opinion  of  the  yield,  quality, 
and  time  of  each  of  them,  and  afterwards  printing  tbem  alongside  of  the 
reports  of  their  owners,  so  that  the  public  could  form  their  own  estimate 
of  the  results  of  the  examinations  of  the  commission.  They  are  here 
re-printed,  to  show  how  it  was  carried  out.  Particular  attention  is  called 
to  the  examinations  of  the  blanketed  cows  in  Thomas  Gawthrop's  herd. 

On  M.  Guenon  and  his  System. 

It  is  proper  we  should  inquire  into  M.  Guenon,  and  the  origin  and  de- 
velopment of  his  system. 

Monsieur  Frangois  Guenon,  a  husbandman  of  Libourne,  in  Prance,  was 
the  son  of  a  gardener,  and  followed  for  sometime  his  ancestor's  trade.  He 
seems  to  have  had  a  mind  above  those  in  his  position.  As  we  look  at  his 
portrait,  he  appears  to  have  a  clear  eye,  a  cool  head,  great  determination, 
firmness  of  character,  a  well-balanced  mind,  and  with  it  all,  a  vigor  of 
constitution  which  buoys  him  up,  and  enables  him  to  over-ride  obstacles. 
He  says  himself,  he  was  of  an  observant  turn  of  mind,  fond  of  compar- 
ing things,  and  deducing  consequences  from  what  he  learned  by  observa- 
tion and  comparison,  particularly  from  the  Book  of  Nature.  Young, 
ardent  and  healthy,  with  the  vivacity  of  his  race,  he  felt  himself  destined 
for  better  things  than  those  a  gardener's  life  would  insure  him.  What 
wonder  then  that  his  eye  was  keen  to  see,  his  mind  to  grasp  and  analyze 
any  new  turn  of  thought  that  chance  might  throw  in  his  ma,y. 

Like  most  self-made  men,  who  have  made  their  mark  in  life's  pilgrimage, 
he  set  himself  to  work  to  improve  himself — to  acquire  that  which  would 
expand  his  mind,  and  fit  it  to  receive  any  new  inspiration,  and  be  able  to 
develop  it.  He  studied  the  works  of  the  best  writers  on  botany  and  agri- 
culture ;  and  applied  his  knowledge  by  following  up  all  the  ramifications 
of  the  vegetable  kingdom,  and  studied  their  external  signs,  that  distinguish 
the  diflferent  sorts,  and  ascertained  their  qualities  and  productiveness. 

In  France,  they  have  few  fences,  and  the  cattle  of  a  neighborhood  are 
driven  to  the  grazing  ground,  and  herded  together,  and,  in  turn,  members 
of  each  or  several  families,  (the  younger  portion,)  are  put  to  watch  that 
the  cattle  do  not  stray  out  of  bounds.  Such  companionship  with  their 
stock  makes  the  owners  fond  of  them,  and  they  are  treated  as  pets,  and 
become  very  docile.  When  young  Guenon  was  about  fourteen  years  of 
age,  he  would  drive  their  cow  to  graze.  His  cow  he  was  very  fond  of,  and 
could  identify  her  among  any  number.     She  was  a  good  milker. 


14  Gdenon  on  Milch  Cows. 

The  Escutcheon  or  Mirror. 

In  his  authorized  account  of  the  discovery  and  perfection  of  his  system, 
Guenon  uses  the  following  language :  "  When  fourteen  years  of  age,  I  used, 
according  to  country  custom,  to  drive  our  only  cow  to  the  grazing  ground. 
I  was  very  fond  of  her,  and  could  have  identified  her  among  ever  so  many. 
One  day  as  I  was  whiiing  away  the  time  in  cleaning  and  scratching  m}' old 
companion,  I  noticed  that  a  sort  of  bran  or  dandruff  detached  itself  in  con- 
siderable quantities  from  certain  spots  on  her  hind  parts,  formed  by  the 
meeting  of  the  hair  as  it  grew  in  opposite  directions,  which  spots  I  have 
since  called  ears,  from  the  resemblance  they  often  bear  to  the  bearded  cars 
or  heads  of  wheat  or  rye.  This  first  attracted  my  attention,  and  1  recollected 
having  heard  my  grandfather  say  that  it  was  probable  that  there  were  ex- 
ternal marks  on  cows  whereby  their  good  qualities  or  their  defects  might 
be  known — just  as  we  judge  of  the  vital  force  of  a  plant  and  its  qualities 
b}'  means  of  its  leaves  and  lines  in  its  skin.  Reflecting  on  the  subject,  I 
arrived  at  the  conclusion  that  if  in  the  vegetable  kingdom  there  exists  ex- 
ternal signs,  whereby  the  good  and  the  bad  qualities  of  a  plant  can  be  posi- 
tively known,  there  ought  to  exist  in  the  animal,  or  its  kingdom,  also,  marks 
whereby  we  may  judge,  by  inspecting  an  animal,  of  its  qualities,  good  and 
bad,  and  1  thought  I  had  discovered  one  of  these  signs.  I  sought  the 
bearded  ears  or  quirls,  and  scratched  those  spots  in  quest  of  dandruff,  the 
abundance  or  scarcity  of  this  being  whatfirst  engaged  my  attention.  Every 
new  cow  was  compared  with  my  own  as  a  standard,  and  her  superiority, 
equality,  or  inferiority  determined  in  my  own  mind.  In  the  course  of  the 
comparisons  thus  instituted  by  me,  with  reference  to  the  dandruff  alone, 
which  was  at  first  the  only  thing  that  governed  me,  I  had  occasion  to  re- 
mark that  great  diversities  existed  among  cows  in  respect  to  the  shape  of 
the  bearded  ears  (quirls)  which  produced  the  dandruff.  This  suggested  a 
new  train  of  reflection  and  observation,  which  resulted  in  my  becoming 
convinced  that  these  s/m^jes  were  the  signs  by  which  to  distinguish  cows, 
and  to  know  the  good  and  bad  qualities  of  every  individual  among  them." 

In  his  original  plan,  Guenon  divided  these  different  shapes  into  eight 
classes,  each  of  which  was  sub-divided  into  eight  orders.  As  he  progressed 
in  his  investigations,  be  afterwards  added  two  more  classes,  and  reduced 
the  orders  to  six  in  each  class.  These  he  supposed  would  cover  all  cases 
which  might  come  up  for  examination.  lie  also  divided  cows  into  three 
grades,  which,  in  accordance  with  their  size,  he  styled  high,  low,  and  me- 
dium. From  this  it  will  be  noted  that  Guenon,  in  classifying  cows,  was 
governed  first  by  the  class,  second  by  the  order  in  the  class,  and  finally  by 
their  size.     These  classes  he  divided  and  named  as  follows : 


1st  class,  or  Flanders. 

2d       "      "  Left  Flanders. 

3d       "       "  Selvage. 

4th     "       "   Curveline.  1 9th      "      "   Limousine, 

5th     "       "  Bicoru.  '  10th    "      "  Uorizontal 


6th  class,  or  Double  Selvage. 

7th      "      ''   Demijohn. 

8th      "      ''  Square  Escutcheon. 


The  ten  orders  in  each  of  these  classes  were  simply  designated  by  their 
appropriate  numerals.  Each  class  was  better  than  the  succeeding  one,  and 
each  order  better  than  the  following  one  of  the  same  class,  but  might  be 
better  than  the  preceding  order  of  the  next  class. 

Of  this  seeming  multiplicity  of  classes,  orders,  and  sizes,  Chalkly  Har- 
vey, one  of  the  commission  appointed  to  test  the  system,  writes  thus : 

"  Now  this  may  seom  somewhat  discouraging  to  your  readers,  but  with  all  due  re- 
spect to  Guenon,  to  whom  all  honor  and  praise  should  be  accorded  for  his  brilliant 


Imported  Jersey  Cow  BLACK  BESS. 


Impopted  Jepsey  Cow  TIBERIA. 

Belonging  to  C.  L.  Sharpless,  Philadelpliia. 


Shapes  and  Sizes  op  Escutcheons.  15 

discovery,  I  think  that  it  may  be  so  simplified  that  every  farmer,  dairyman,  and  dealer 
can  learn  it  all  in  a  short  time,  and  may  find  the  study  quite  interesting.  I  began  it 
laboiiously,  supposing  that  a  mastery  of  all  the  details  was  necessary  to  make  it  of  any 
use,  but  more  than  twenty  years  of  constant  application  in  practice  has  simplified  it  to 
my  mind,  and  has  added  a  little,  I  think,  to  the  original  discovery.  The  substance  of 
Guenon's  discovery  is  tliat  the  milking  qualities  of  any  cow,  of  any  breed,  are  indicated 
by  on  outward  sign  that  all  may  see  and  easily  understand.  The  hair  on  a  cow,  as  on 
other  animals,  grows  downward  on  the  hind-quarters,  but  there  is  an  exception  to  this 
rule  on  the  back  part  of  the  udder,  where  it  usually  grows  upward.  The  first  lesson 
for  a  begmner  is  to  notice  this  fact.  Let  him  stand  behind  a  quiet  cow,  and  rub  the 
hair  on  the  udder  both  ways  until  he  sees  or  feels  just  what  I  mean.  Guenon  called 
the  surface  that  is  covered  by  this  upward  growth  the  escutcheon ;  others  have  called 
it  the  milk-mirror;  but  this  is  no  improvement  in  any  respect,  and  I  shall  name  it  as 
Guenon  did,  for  there  is  no  real  objection  to  that  name,  and  there  is  serious  objection 
to  maldng  confusion  by  calling  the  same  thing  by  difi'orent  names.  The  escutclieon, 
then,  is  that  surface  on  the  cow's  udder  where  the  hair  grows  upward.  But  it  is  not 
confined  to  the  udder,  it  extends  upward  above  the  udder,  often  to  the  vulva,  and  out- 
ward upon  the  thighs  on  both  sides  of  the  udder.  (See  Flanders  cow,  class  first,  order 
first.)  These  escutcheons  are  difi'erent  in  size,  in  shape,  and  in  quality,  (quality 
means  the  quality  of  the  skin,  and  of  the  hair  growing  on  it,)  and  these  difl'erences  in- 
dicate the  cfifierent  milicmg  qualities  of  the  cows,  including  quantity  and  quality  of 
milk,  and  the  length  of  time  they  will  give  milk  after  being  with  calf.  On  the  edges 
of  the  escutcheon  where  the  upward  and  the  downwardgrowthsof  hair  meet,  a  feather  is 
formed,  and  this  is  most  conspicuous  on  the  back  part  of  the  thighs  where  escutcheons 
extend  tha*  wide.  If  the  hair  is  long,  as  it  generally  is  in  winter  time,  the  observer 
can  defir.e  the  limits  of  the  escutcheon  better  by  applying  his  hand,  and  smoothing  the 
hair  to  its  natural  place.  He  will  now  perceive  that  the  hair  on  the  escutcheon  is 
shorter  and  softer  than  elsewhere,  as  well  as  turned  upward  in  its  growth,  and  some- 
times nearly  resembles  fiu'. 

'•  Let  \is  now  particularly  consider  the  shapes  and  sizes  of  these  escutcheons.  There 
is  one  general  shape  to  which  they  conform,  and  that  is  that  they  are  wider  below  than 
above,  and  at  or  near  the  toiJ  of  the  vidder  they  narrow  in  abruptly ;  some  continue  up 
as  far  as  the  vulva,  and  even  above  it,  and  others  but  a  little  distance  above  the  udder, 
The  size  and  shape  of  this  upper  part  of  the  escutcheon  is  of  less  importance  than 
that  of  the  lower  part,  but  both  must  be  considered — the  larger  the  escutcheon  the 
better.  All  great  milkers  have  very  large  escutcheons.  In  largo  ones  the  upturned 
growth  often  begins  on  the  belly,  in  front  of  the  udder,  extends  along  between  the 
teats  and  up  the  back  part  of  the  udder,  over  the  whole  width.  Indeed,  the  udder 
is  not  wide  enough  for  it,  and  it  encroaches  on  the  thighs,  where  we  may  find  the 
hair  having  an  upward  growth  on  them,  inside  next  the  udder,  beginning  notfar  above 
the  hock  joints,  and  running  up  as  Jiighas  the  wide  part  of  the  escutcheon  extends 
up  the  thighs,  and  which  often  terminates  with  corresponding  curls  in  the  hair  at 
the  outlines,  and  the  higlier  up  and  wider  these  are  apart  the  better.  Though  the 
extension  of  the  escutcheon  to  the  front  part  of  the  udder  on  the  belly  has  been  men- 
tioned, that  is  not  a  matter  of  jiractical  interest  in  ordinary  cases.  All  that  needs  to 
be  studied  is  plain  to  be  seen  by  standing  behind  the  cow.  When  the  escutcheon  is 
small,  it  does  not  reach  the  thighs,  and  often  does  not  cover  the  whole  of  the  back 
part  of  the  udder.  These  differences  in  size  can  be  distinguished  at  the  first  lesson 
taken  in  the  cow-yard,  and  when  that  has  been  done,  the  next  thing  is  to  consider 
their  shapes.  A  good  escutcheon  is  symmetrical.  The  feathers  on  the  two  thiglis  are 
at  equal  distance  from  the  middle  line  of  the  body,  and  extend  up  to  equal  heights 
on  tlio  back  parts  of  the  thighs.  A  broad  and  high  escutcheon,  (speaking  now  only  of 
the  lower  broad  part  of  it,)  that  is  alike  on  both  sides,  certainly  indicates  a  superior 
milker.  There  is  nearly  always  another  sign  accompanying  such  an  escutcheon,  and 
that  is  one  or  two  ovals  just  above  the  hind  teats,  on  which  a  Jine  coat  of  hair  grows 
downward.  These  may  be  large  or  small,  maybe  one  or  two,  and  maybe  alii^oin 
size,  or  vmlike,  but  tlioy  are  always  good  signs.  Two  are  better  than  one,  and  the 
larger  and  more  uniform  tiiey  are  the  better ;  they  are  almost  always  present  on  large 
and  symmetrical  escutcheons.  No  escutcheon  is  ever  first  class  if  it  has  not  one  or 
both,  and  one,  at  least,  of  good  size.  What  constitutes  'good  size'  will  be  better 
learned  by  a  few  observations  tlian  can  be  taught  by  inches,  and  I  want  to  leave  some- 
tlfing  to  the  ingenuity  of  the  learner,  to  make  the  study  interesting. 

"  Now,  let  us  consider  the  shape  and  size  of  that  part  of  the  escutcheon  which  I  have 
spoken  of  as  the  upper  part ;  that  is,  the  narrow  portion  that  has  its  base  on  the  top  of 
the  lower  and  wider  portions,  and  runs  up  toward  the  vulva.  Sometimes,  though  very 
rarely,  this  does  not  exist  at  all.  Sometimes  it  is  broad,  and  extends  all  the  way  up, 
with  perfect  symmetry.  Sometimes  it  terminates  in  a  curved  line,  at  a  greater  or  less 
distance  up  ;  and,  indeed,  it  may  bo  seen  of  almost  any  shape.  As  a  sign  of  excel- 
lence, the  larger  and  more  symmetrical  it  is,  the  better — but  a  good  lower  part  of  the 
escutcheon  is  the  main  thing,  and  that,  as  a  sign,  can  hardly  be  vitiated  by  any  imper- 
fection of  the  upper  part.  When  the  lower  part  is  very  good,  there  is' usually  uni- 
formity in  the  part.  A  poor  escutcheon  is  one  that  is  small,  or  that  is  imperfect  in 
form." 


16  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

The  Progress  of  His  System. 

With  his  mind  keenly  alive  to  the  pursuit  of  his  investigations,  he  soon 
perceived  the  difference  in  the  shape  of  these  quirls  or  marks  in  the  hair. 
We  can  imagine  how,  when  he  saw  any  cow  with  the  same  escutcheon  as 
his  own  had,  he  would  eagerly  and  closely  question  the  owner,  and  then 
make  his  comparisons  and  deductions.  Then,  again,  when  he  would  see 
variations  from  his  cow's  escutcheon,  whether  larger  or  smaller,  though  of 
similar  shape,  how  he  would  study  them  over !  When  he  would  ask  of  the 
owner  such  questions,  directed  by  his  knowledge  of  the  cow's  marks,  the 
owner  would  stare,  and  think  how  the  lad  could  know  so  well  of  his  cow. 
And  then  his  secret  exultation  when  the  answers  showed  him  that  he  had 
judged  aright  1  We  can  imagine  this  young  enthusiast  going  on,  from  step 
to  step,  filling  up  his  leisure  with  his  acquisitions  of  his  new  theory,  which 
was  becoming  fact,  and  growing  into  a  system. 

From  his  first  step  of  discovering  the  dandruff,  its  scarcity  or  abundance, 
to  his  noticing  the  great  diversity  existing  among  cows  as  to  the  shape  of 
the  bearded  ears  or  quirls,  and  being  convinced  these  shapes  were  the  signs 
by  which  to  distinguish  cows,  and  then  to  make  sure  that  the  same  mark 
might  always  be  relied  upon  as  a  positive  sign  of  the  same  perfection  or 
defect ;  were  all  steps  in  the  discovery  that  engrossed  his  whole  mind.  He 
gave  up  his  trade,  traveled  about,  visiting  cattle  mai'kets,  fairs,  and  stables. 
Conversing  and  cross-questioning  all  whom  he  could ;  fixing  the  results  in 
his  mind,  and  getting  the  classification  shaped  out.  He  talked  with  farm- 
ers, dealers,  and  veterinary  men,  ascertained  their  modes  of  judging  of  the 
points  of  an  animal,  and  found  they  were  all  by  their  own  favorite  signs 
and  marks.  One  looked  to  the  udder,  the  horns,  the  hide,  or  the  shape  ; 
others  to  the  hair,  the  veins,  or  something  else;  but  none  judged  by  the 
signs  which  he  had  found  out.  All  were  uncertain.  The  most  the  best 
judges  could  do  would  be  to  guess  rightly,  perhaps,  three  times  out  of  five, 
but  none  could  tell  how  long  a  cow  woulil  milk.  Perfecting  his  judgment 
he  would  visit  the  same  places  and  the  same  cows  several  times  in  a  3'ear, 
to  see  how  nature  was  operating  upon  the  animals,  and  their  changes  of 
character  in  the  different  periods  of  gestation,  their  treatment  and  food. 

Of  course,  he  soon  began  to  put  his  theories  to  practical  value,  and  he 
dealt  in  cattle  on  his  own  account.  This  brought  before  him  cattle  from 
Holland,  Switzerland,  Brittany,  and  other  countries.  This  improved  his 
opportunities  by  proving  to  him  that,  no  matter  what  country  gave  them 
birth,  all  individuals  possessing  the  same  marks  belonged  to  the  same  class 
and  the  same  orders ;  in  short,  that  nature  acted  through  uniform  laws. 

Imperfections  and  Tufts. 
Variations  would  arise,  from  crossing  two  animals  with  different  es- 
cutcheons, from  some  defect  in  marking  at  the  birth,  from  lack  of  develop- 
ment, or  from  those  freaks  that  nature  sometimes  plays.  They  always  prove 
stumbling-blocks  in  forming  the  judgment  on  some  animals,  and  furnish 
texts  to  the  opponents  of  the  system. 


Imperfections  and  Tufts.  11 

As  Gucnon  continued  his  examinations,  he  found  that  his  classes  did  not 
sfford  a  place  for  all  animals,  or  rather  that  there  were  occasionally  to  be 
found  cows  whose  escutcheons  while  apparently  belonging  to  one  of  these 
classes,  had  at  the  same  time,  certain  distinguished  features  which  he 
styled  imperfect  escutcheons.  These  Mr.  Hazard,  the  secretary  of  the 
commission,  described  as  follows : 

"  The  perfect  escutcheon  of  each  Class  is  the  one  which  is  in  Order  No.  1. 
All  variations  from  this  are  rated  lower  in  the  scale ;  these  variations  may 
consist  of  a  smaller  size,  therefore,  the  escutcheon  would  not  be  so  broad 
or  high  upon  the  thighs,  nor  so  broad  upon  the  vertical  portion ;  they  may 
consist  of  the  lack  of  ovals,  which  would  place  them  below  the  first  order ; 
they  may  consist  of  blemishes,  which  are  tufts  of  hair  growing  alongside 
of  the  vulva,  or  below  it ;  or  they  may  consist  of  strongly  marked  imper- 
fections, which  may  be  cuts  or  slices  taken  out  of  the  escutcheon ;  or,  coarse, 
harsh,  wiry  hair  on  the  back  and  upper  part  of  the  udder.  Finally,  they 
may  be  so  decided  as  to  place  the  animal  among  the  bastards. 

Of  the  tufts,  Guenon  says  all  tufts  encroaching  on  the  escutcheon  dimin- 
ish its  value,  except  the  oval  ones  on  the  udder ;  that  is  to  say,  they  indi- 
cate a  diminished  aptitude  for  yielding  milk.  The  size  and  location  of 
these  tufts  make  the  animals  descend  one  or  more  orders  in  the  classifica- 
tion. It  is,  therefore,  important  to  attend  to  all  the  patches  of  descend- 
ing hairs  which  lessen  the  size  of  the  escutcheon,  whether  these  occur  in 
the  middle  of  it  or  form  indentations  on  the  sides.  These  indentations, 
partly  concealed  by  the  folds  of  the  skin,  are  sometimes  perceived  with 
difficulty.  Manj^  cows,  which  at  first  glance  appear  to  be  well-marked,  on 
close  examination  display  their  deficiencies,  and  want  of  this  scrutiny 
often  causes  mistakes  in  estimating  the  value  of  cows,  and  thus  the  system 
suffers. 

Guenon  says  the  cause  of  the  defects,  as  exhibited  by  the  tufts  on  the 
thighs,  is  that  the  veins  situated  beneath,  on  either  side  of  the  belly,  ha\^e 
a  peculiarity ;  that  they  are  contracted,  and  there  is  a  small  opening  for  it 
where  it  pierces  the  abdominal  muscles. 

Sometimes  there  is  an  intermingling  of  two  forms  of  escutcheons.  This 
depends  upon  the  crossing  between  a  cow  of  one  class  and  a  bull  of  an- 
other. This  is  one  of  the  difficulties  to  be  encountered  in  precisely  esti- 
mating the  value  of  the  animal. 

Guenon  classified  the  seven  tufts,  into  two  kinds  :  Those  on  which  thrf 
hair  ascends,  and  those  on  which  it  descends.  Those  with  ascending  hairs 
are  simply  traces  which  encroach  on  the  descending  hair  outside  the  escutch- 
eon, either  on  one  side  or  beneath  the  vulva.  Those  with  the  descending 
hair  are  on  the  escutcheon,  and  are  five  in  number. 

1.  Epi  ovale,  oval  tuft.  These  are  situated  on  the  udder,  like  those  on 
class  one,  two,  three,  four,  order  first.  They  are  good  signs,  if  of  descend- 
ing fine  hair,  small,  and  regular.  They  are  mostly  seen  on  only  the  best 
cows,  though  occasionally  to  be  met  with  in  some  of  the  lower  orders. 

2.  Epifessard,  ischiatic  tuft.  These  are  found  on  the  vertical  escutcheon 
on  one  or  both  sides  of  the  vulva,  as  in  class  four,  five,  orders  two,  three, 
four;  and  very  conspicuously  in  the  bastards  of  class  three,  four, five, six. 
They  are  of  ascending  hair,  and  never  seen  in  first  class  cows,  but  in  most 
others  to  a  limited  extent. 

3.  Epi  babin,  lip-shaped  tuft.  This  is  only  seen  as  a  sign  of  deteriora- 
tion in  the  two  first  classes  ;  it  is  made  by  descending  hairs,  and  is  a,  defect 
for  milking  qualities.  It  is  like  a  string  hanging  over  the  top  of  the  vulva, 
and  making  its  outline  a  little  below  it  on  each  side.     It  is  seldom  seen 

2 


18  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

4.  Epi  vulve,  vulvan  tuft.  This  is  also  a  deteriorating  sign  ;  is  a  tuft  of 
descending  liair  directly  under  the  vulva,  as  in  class  one,  orders  three  and 
four. 

5.  Epi  batardi  perinaeal  tuft.  This  is  always  a  bad  mark,  as  it  exists 
on  otherwise  good  marked  cows,  and  indicates  a  diminution  of  milk,  as 
soon  as  the  cow  becomes  pregnant.  It  is  seen  on  class  one,  bastard.  A 
cow  is  to  be  looked  upon  with  suspicion  that  has  this  mark  largely  de- 
veloped. 

6.  Epi  ciiissard,  thigh  tufts.  These  are  diminutions  of  the  escutcheon 
by  encroachment  of  descending  hair,  and  denote  a  diminishing  of  the 
quantity  of  milk,  proportionate  to  their  extent.  See  class  one  and  two, 
order  four. 

7.  Epi  jonctif,  mesian  tuft.  The  mesian  or  dart-like  tuft,  with  soft  silky 
ascending  hair,  is  rarely  seen,  and  only  in  those  classes  in  which  the  es- 
cutcheon does  not  ascend  to  the  vulva.  It  is  like  a  V  hanging  beneath 
the  vulva,  and  is  not  fully  represented  in  the  plates,  though  class  ten,  order 
two,  shows  it  somewhat." 

In  these  observations  among  cows,  not  only  during  their  work  as  mem- 
bers of  the  commission,  but  also  in  preceeding  examinations,  Messrs. 
Blight,  Harvey,  and  Hazard  noticed  a  series  of  marks,  which  they  have 
denominated  thigh  ovals.  The  plate  showing  the  escutcheon  of  Mr.  Haz- 
ard's Jersey  cow  furnishes  one  of  the  best  illustration  of  these  marks  yet 
met  with  by  the  commission.  Where  the  vertical  escutcheon  joins  and 
widens  out  into  the  thigh  escutcheon,  there  is  usually  a  dip  of  a  curved 
shape  more  or  less  in  extent.  In  the  plate  above  alluded  to  these  thigh 
ovals  descend  nearly  to  the  base  of  the  udder.  In  their  careful  examina- 
tion of  more  than  two  hundred  cows,  the  commission  alwaj'S  found  these 
marks  only  on  good  cows. 

In  his  examinations  Guenon  found  cows  of  apparently  each  class  with 
certain  variations  in  their  markings  which  distinguished  them  and  pre- 
vented their  incorporation  into  any  class,  and,  yet  the  similarity  gives 
them  a  claim  in  their  particular  class.  In  all  cases  he  claims  to  have  noted 
that  cows  thus  marked  would  milk  as  well  as  other  members  of  their  class, 
until  they  were  got  with  calf,  but  as  soon  as  this  was  accomplished,  the 
quantity  of  milk  fell  off  rapidly.  The  commission  claim  it  is  this  style 
of  marking  which  is  most  likely  to  deceive  the  superficial  or  amateur  in- 
vestigators, and  that  these  have  caused  the  assertion  that  a  poor  cow  may 
be  well  marked,  when  in  reality,  if  properly  understood,  she  was  not  well 
well  marked.  This  class  of  cows  Guenon  styled  Basta7'ds,  and  he  practi- 
cally assigned  to  them  a  distinctive  or  seventh  order  in  eacii  class. 

In  1822,  Guenon  seems  to  have  first  reduced  his  S3'stem  to  a  classified 
basis,  and  from  that  time  until  1828  he  appears  to  iiave  given  it  much  of 
his  time  and  attention.  Having,  as  he  deemed,  sufficiently  arranged  and 
tested  his  s^'stem,  he,  in  1828,  applied  to  the  academy  of  Bordeaux  for  a 
public  test  of  the  correctness  of  his  mode  of  judging  of  cows  and  their 
milking  value. 

The  following,  from  the  proceedings  of  the  academy,  shows  that  Guenon 
did  not  make  his  system  common  property.  The  minutes  of  the  academy, 
under  date  of  June  3,  1828,  contains  the  following  record :  "  Mr.  Francis 
Guenon,  of  Libourne,  possessor  of  a  method  which  he  deems  infallible  for 
judging,  by  mere  visual  examination,  of  the  goodness  of  milch  cows,  and 
the  qixmtity  of  milk  which  each  can  yield,  has  solicited  the  Academy  to 
cause  the  efficaciousness  of  this  method  to  be  tested  by  repeated  experi- 
ments.    The  case  presented  by  this  request  was  one  of  a  secret  method 


^  '^  ^''^'''^''^nwfsaty.y^rr't^^ 


Eseuteheon  of  ROSIE. 

Thoroughbred  Jersey  Cow,  belonging  to  Willis  P.  Hazard. 


Examinations  Before  Societies.  19 

of  juclgicg,  which  the  possessor  was  not  willing  to  reveal.  On  the  other 
hand,  it  seemed  difficult  to  admit  that  the  external  sign,  whatever  it  might 
be,  by  which  Mr.  Guenon  judges,  could  always  bear  a  proportional  relation 
to  the  quantity  of  milk  yielded  by  a  cow.  Nevertheless,  the  academy 
deemed  it  proper  to  appoint  a  committee  charged  with  making  the  examina- 
tion. Trials  have  been  made  with  care,  and  under  precautions  necessary  for 
precluding  all  collusion.  The  cows  used  for  the  purpose  belonged  to  three 
different  herds,  and  amounted  to  thirty  in  number,  and  the  result  has  been 
to  establish,  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  committee,  that  Mr.  Guenon  really 
possesses  great  sagacity  in  this  line.  So  long,  however,  as  his  method  shall 
be  kept  secret,  it  cannot  be  judged  of,  nor  rewarded  by,  the  academy.  Gov- 
erned by  these  considerations,  the  academy,  having  ascertained  from  Mr. 
Guenon  that  he  is  willing  to  submit  to  every  test  that  may  be  proposed,  and 
to  disclose  his  secret,  upon  receiving  a  just  indemnity,  has  referred  him  to 
the  prefect,  and  has  engaged  to  recommend  him  to  the  favorable  notice  of 
that  magistrate,  who  is  ever  disposed  to  promote  all  that  tends  to  improve  it. " 
From  1822  to  1827,  it  would  seem  that  Guenon  perfected  and  studied 
his  system,  but  it  does  not  seem  to  have  come  promptly  before  the  public, 
until  the  agricultural  society  of  Bordeaux  took  upon  itself  a  careful  in- 
vestigation of  the  whole  system.  From  the  detailed  report  of  this  com- 
mittee, appointed  by  this  society  to  test  the  knowledge  of  Guenon,  we  take 
the  following  as  illustrating,  not  only  the  results  reached  by  them,  but  also 
the  manner  of  conducting  the  examination : 

"  Every  cow  subjected  to  examination  was  separated  from  the  rest.  What  Mr.  Gue- 
non had  to  say  in  regard  to  her  was  taken  down  in  writing  by  one  of  the  committee; 
and  immediately  after,  the  proprietor,  who  had  kept  at  a  distance,  was  interrogated, 
and  such  questions  put  to  him  as  would  tend  to  confirm  or  disprove  the  judgment 
pronounced  by  Mr.  Guenon.  In  this  way  we  have  examined,  in  a  most  careful  man- 
ner— note  being  taken  of  every  fact  and  every  observation  made  by  any  one  present 
— upward  of  sixty  cows  and  heifers,  and  we  are  bound  to  declare  that  every  statement 
made  by  Mr.  Guenon,  with  respect  to  each  of  them,  whether  it  regarded  the  quantity 
of  milk,  or  the  time  during  which  the  cow  contmued  to  give  milk  after  being  got  with 
calf,  or  finally,  the  quality  of  the  milk  as  being  more  or  less  creamy  or  serous,  Avere 
confirmed,  and  its  accuracy  established.  The  only  discrepancies  which  occurred,  were 
some  slight  differences  in  regard  to  the  quantity  of  milk,  but  these  we  afterward 
fully  satisfied  ourselves  were  caused  entirely  by  the  food  of  the  animal  being  more  or 
less  abundant. 

"  The  result  of  this  first  test  seems  conclusive,  but  they  acquire  new  force  from  tliose 
of  a  second  trial  in  which  the  method  was  subjected  to  another  test  through  M.  Guenon 
and  his  brother.  Your  committee,  availing  themselves  of  the  presence  of  the  latter, 
caused  the  same  cows  to  be  examined  hj  the  two  brothers,  but  separately,  so  that  after 
a  cow  had  been  inspected,  and  her  qualities  as  indicated  by  the  signs  in  question  had 
been  pronounced  upon  by  one  of  the  brothers,  he  was  made  to  withdraw ;  then  the 
other  brother,  who  had  been  kept  aloof,  was  called  up,  and  desired  to  state  the  quali- 
ties of  the  same  animal.  This  mode  of  proceeding  could  not  fail  to  give  rise  to  differ- 
ence, to  contradiction  even,  between  the  judgments  of  the  two  brothers,  unless  their 
method  was  a  positive  and  sure  one.  Well,  gentlemen,  we  must  say  it,  this  last  test 
was  absolutely  decisive.  Not  only  did  the  judgment  of  the  two  brothers  accord  per- 
fectly together,  but  they  were  in  i^erfect  accordance  also  with  all  that  was  said  by  the 
proprietors  in  regard  to  the  qualities,  good  or  bad,  of  every  animal  subject  to  tliis  ex- 
amination.'' 

On  the  26th  of  May,  1837,  a  similar  test  was  made  by  the  agricultural 
society  of  Aurillac,  whose  committee,  in  their  report,  use  the  following  lan- 
guage : 

"Each  cow  was  examined  separately  by  M.  Guenon,  who  wrote  his  notes  upon  her, 
and  delivered  the  paper  closed  to  one  of  us.  Immediately  after,  another  member  of 
the  committee  questioned  the  owner  of  the  cow,  or  the  person  in  charge  of  her,  in  re- 
gard to  her  daily  yield  of  milk,  its  qualitj',  and  the  time  during  which  she  continued 
to  give  milk  after  being  got  with  calf.  The  answers  were  taken  down  in  writing,  and 
then  compared  with  the  notes  written  by  M.  Guenon.  They  were  generally  found  to 
accord,  and  proved  to  the  satisfaction  of  your  committee  and  of  every  one  present,  all 
of  whom  attended  with  lively  interest  to  these  proceedings,  that  M.  Guenon  possesses 
great  sagacity  in  judging  of  cattle,  and  that  his  method  rests  upon  a  sure  foundation." 


20  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

The  Bordeaux  committee  added :  "  To  the  proprietors  and  to  the  lookers- 
on,  all  this  was  very  surprising  for  the  examinations  were  as  quickly  made 
as  the  results  were  certain.  As  to  ourselves  to  whom  the  method  was  no 
longer  a  secret,  it  was  with  renewed  interest  and  astonishment  that  we 
viewed  the  accuracy  of  the  results.  This  system  we  do  not  fear  to  say  is 
infallible.     We  only  regretted  the  whole  society  was  not  present." 

The  committee  further  reported  that  Mr.  Guenon  had,  after  more  than 
twenty  years  observations  and  researches,  discovered  certain  natural  and 
positive  signs  that  were  proof  against  all  error,  while  the  writers  and  pro- 
fessors who  have  particularly  occupied  themselves  with  the  bovine  race, 
can  only  indicate  some  vague  signs  for  judging  of  the  fitness  of  cows  for 
secreting  milk.  That  this  method  is  valuable,  whether  it  tells  the  3'ield  of 
milk  only,  or  indicates  the  improvement  of  breeds,  which  are  liable  to  de- 
terioration from  mismanagement  in  crossing,  and  that  it  is  applicable  not 
to  full-grown  animals  alone,  but  also  to  calves  at  as  early  an  age  as  three 
months.  Thus  it  affords  a  sure  means  of  forming  a  judgment  of  full-grown 
animals,  about  which  we  might  be  misled  on  account  of  their  form  and 
their  parentage,  and  secures  the  improvement  of  herds  by  enabling  us  to 
dispose  of  those  calves  which  will  not  repay  the  cost  of  rearing  them.  We 
shall  thus  no  longer  rear  calves  at  great  expense  for  two  or  three  years 
that  should  have  been  consigned  to  the  butcher,  nor  sell  calves  that  would 
pay  best  to  rear.  If  this  system  is  pursued,  only  cows  and  bulls  of  best  qual- 
ity will  be  kept,  and  in  very  few  years  how  great  will  be  the  improvement 
of  our  herds,  and  largely  incraased  the  cheapest  and  best  of  all  foods, 
milk,  and  the  production  of  butter  and  cheese. 

The  committee  of  the  Agricultural  Society  of  Bordeaux,  therefore,  de- 
creed Mr.  Guenon  a  gold  medal,  made  him  a  member  of  the  society, 
ordered  fifty  copies  of  his  work,  and  distributed  one  thousand  copies  of 
their  full  report  among  all  the  agricultural  societies  of  France. 

The  next  public  test  Mr.  Guenon  submitted  his  system  to,  was  that  by  the 
Agricultural  Society  of  Aurillac,  and  that  society  reported  that  Mr.  Gue- 
non examined  the  herd  of  their  president,  of  one  hundred  cows,  from  which 
■were  selected  designedly,  the  best,  the  moderately  good,  and  the  most  in- 
different of  the  establishment.  Upon  each,  Mr.  Guenon  pronounced  with 
precision,  and  his  decisions  corresponded  almost  invariably  with  the  state- 
ments of  the  persons  in  charge.  The  only  variations  were  very  slight 
ones,  in  regard  to  the  quantity  given.  But  this  herd  was  fed  unusually 
high,  and  Guenon  was  totally  unaccustomed  to  the  usages  of  the  country 
in  feeding  cattle,  and  this  caused  him  to  pronounce  the  yield  a  little  loss 
than  it  really  was.  A  proof  of  his  system,  for  he  declares  the  yield  will 
vary  according  to  the  feed  and  management,  which  all  observant  farmers 
know  to  b2  the  case.  Mr.  Guenon  examined  some  of  the  cows  a  second 
time,  and  also  the  calves,  and  those  calves  he  assigned  to  the  first  oi'ders 
the  cowherds  said  were  from  their  best  cows,  that  gave  a  great  deal  of 
milk. 


Rewards — Of  the  Ovals.  21 

The  notes  of  his  reexaminations  corresponded  exactly  with  his  first 
statements.  The  committee  therefore  awarded  Mi*.  Guenon  a  gold  medal, 
made  him  a  corresponding  member,  subscribed  for  twenty-five  copies  of 
his  book  for  each  of  the  sub-societies,  and  distributed  their  report  through 
all  the  agricultural  channels  of  France. 

With  these  testimonials,  the  highest  that  could  be  procured  in  France, 
Mr.  Guenon  went  on  with  the  publication  of  his  book,  which  had  a  wide 
circulation  in  every  department  of  France.  And  he  was  finally  granted  a 
pension  for  life  of  three  thousand  francs  a  year  by  the  French  govern- 
ment, after  the  National  Assembly's  committee  on  agriculture  had  given 
the  system  a  thorough  test.  In  the  presence  of  fifty  of  the  most  eminent 
agriculturists,  M.  Guenon  made  his  examinations,  and  judged  correctly 
of  all  but  one  of  the  quantity,  of  all  but  one  of  the  time,  and  of  all  of  the 
quality ;  and  the  committee  reported  the  results  were  altogether  conclusive, 
and  that  his  discovery  had  reached  to  the  dignity  of  a  science.  They  also 
declared  the  daily  production  of  milk  in  France  might  be  increased  by 
several  millions  of  pints  daily,  and  that  the  abundance  and  quality  of  milk 
in  the  dams  must  contribute  largely  to  the  improvement  of  the  progeny. 
They  voted  him  the  pension,  and  invited  him  to  deliver  lectures  in  the 
different  veterinary,  agricultural,  and  normal  schools  of  the  kingdom,  and 
before  the  different  agricultural  societies,  as  "  the  speediest  and  best  means 
of  spreading  the  knowledge  of  this  discovery,"  and  "  to  repair  the  time  lost 
in  ridicule,  doubt,  or  indifference — the  inevitable  preface  to  all  under- 
takings beneficial  to  humanity." 

In  the  foregoing  account  of  Mr.  Francis  Guenon,  it  will  be  seen  that,  by 
his  indomitable  perseverance  in  perfecting  his  system  or  method,  he  raised 
himself  from  the  ranks  of  a  poor  gardener's  boy  to  the  position  of  a  great 
benefactor,  and  was  presented  with  various  medals  and  decorations,  and  a 
large  sum  of  money  voted  to  him.  Surely,  such  a  brilliant  position  must 
have  been  won  entirely  by  merit,  for  he  had  neither  means  nor  influence 
to  advance  him  into  notice. 

Of  the  Ovals. 

The  ovals  on  the  udder  are  spoken  of  by  Guenon,  and  our  experience 
is  that  they  are  always  indicative  of  a  good  yield  ;  particularly,  when  they 
are  uniform  in  size  and  position,  and  of  fine,  soft  hair,  descending  on  the 
udder.  But  there  is  another  set  of  marks,  which  the  Pennsylvania  Guenon 
Commission  have  denominated  thigh  ovals,  which  are  an  invariable  indica- 
tion of  a  good  cow,  particularly  when  she  is  otherwise  well-marked.  Of 
these,  Guenon  does  not  speak.  Eusebius  H.  Townsend  and  Chalkey 
Harvey  were  the  first  to  call  attention  to  them,  and  Charles  L.  Sharpless 
has  writtdh  of  them.  Our  own  cow,  which  took  the  premium  over  all  the 
Jersey  cows,  at  the  fall  exhibition,  in  18Y8,  of  the  Chester  County  Agri- 
cultural Society,  has  them  most  extraordinarily  developed.  As  she  is  a 
very  thorough  example  of  this  marking,  we  have  had  the  likeness  made  of 
her  escutcheon,  and  request  the  reader's  attention  to  it. 


22  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

Of  the  Bastards. 

Guenon  denominates  those  cows  which  give  milk,  much  or  little,  so  long 
as  they  are  not  got  with  calf;  but,  when  impregnated,  begin  to  fall  off  in 
their  milk.  The  term  he  uses  is  batard,  which  means,  in  English,  bastard, 
spurious,  of  a  mixed  breed,  mongrel.  We  should  have  preferred  to  call 
them  spurious  cows,  as  the  term  bastard  does  not  exactly  express  the 
meaning  we  apply  to  that  word  ;  but,  as  it  ha»  before  been  translated 
bastard,  and  is  so  known  by  many,  we  retain  it. 

The  bastards  are  often  the  best  looking  cows ;  have  finely  developed 
escutcheons,  and  many  give  a  great  deal  of  milk,  some  poor  quality  and 
some  rich ;  but,  as  soon  as  they  are  pregnant,  they  go  dry  very  soon,  or 
fall  off  rapidly  in  their  milk,  while  others  give  very  little  milk  at  all. 
From  their  fine  show,  they  deceive  a  great  many,  and  Guenon  cautions 
buyers,  as  the  most  skillful  will  make  mistakes.  He  has,  however,  given 
a  series  of  drawing?,  by  which  they  can  generally  be  discovered. 

These  bastards  mostly  conceive  well,  and  the  first  time  they  are  put  to 
the  bull,  they  vary  in  the  quality  of  milk  they  give  like  other  cows.  The 
flow  of  milk  is  at  its  height  during  the  first  eight  days  after  calving,  though 
of  bad  quality.  It  then  diminishes  a  little,  and  keeps  on  at  about  the  same 
yield  until  she  conceives  again,  when  it  diminishes  again,  more  or  less 
rapidly. 

To  discover  a  bastard,  consult  the  engravings  which  are  given  to  each 
class.  To  the  first  class,  the  Flanders,  there  are  two  kinds.  The  first, 
which  is  the  most  common,  has  on  each  edge  of  the  vertical  escutcheon,  a 
feathery  appearance,  and  where  this  is  strongly  marked  by  the  down — and 
up-growing  hairs  meeting,  and  they  interlock  and  staud  out  from  the  skin, 
and,  besides,  are  harsh  and  wiry,  and  generally  shiny,  glistening,  and  look- 
ing of  lighter  color,  beware  of  them.  The  harsher,  coarser  they  are,  the 
shorter  time  will  the  cow  milk  after  getting  with  calf.  The  second  kind 
of  bastards  among  the  Flanders  will  have  an  oval  on  the  vertical  escut- 
cheon, generally  near  the  middle  part,  of  about  two  to  three  inches  in 
length,  by  one  and  a  half  to  two  inches  wide,  on  which  will  be  found  coarse 
wiry  hair,  and  the  harsher  it  is,  and  the  larger  the  oval  is,  the  sooner  the 
cow  will  cease  to  milk.  It  may  often  be  discovered  by  the  glistening  ap- 
pearance of  the  hair  on  it. 

On  all  the  other  classes,  the  bastard  marks  consist  of  two  oval  patches 
of  hair,  one  on  each  side  of  the  vulva ;  and  the  larger  they  are,  the  more 
pointed  in  shape,  and  the  coarser  and  more  wiry  the  hair  on  them,  the 
sooner  the  cow  will  cease  to  milk. 

The  importance  of  learning  the  bastard  marks  is  very  great,  as  the 
buyer  can  safely  avoid  them,  and  leave  them  to  those  less  skilled.  While 
he  may  buy  the  less  showy  looking  cow  for  much  less  money,  and  get  a 
better  animal  than  the  unskilled  man  will  obtain  even  for  the  higher  price. 

All  animals  are  more  readily  judged  correctly,  and  the  system  can  be 
learned  more  easily,  in  summer  than  in  winter,  both  on  old  and  young;  for 


How  TO  Apply  the  System.  23 

then  the  winter  coat  of  hair  is  off,  and  the  hair  is  shorter,  and  the  escut- 
cheon is  more  easily  perceived.  The  skin,  also,  is  more  natural  and  soft, 
and  the  hair  is  usually  not  so  harsh  to  the  feel ;  and  the  cows  are  cleaner, 
and  all  marks  or  blemishes  more  quickly  seen. 

How  to  Apply  tlie  System  Practically. 

We  will  now  proceed  to  apply  the  foregoing  rules  and  hints  practically. 
In  doing  so,  we  may  repeat  some  that  has  been  before  said,  but  it  will  only 
impress  it  the  stronger  in  the  mind  of  the  learner. 

This  classification  embraced  all  the  kinds  of  cows  known  to  Guenon, 
each  individual  escutcheon  corresponding  with  one  of  the  orders  of  those 
classes.  The  class,  the  order  and  the  size  of  an  animal  indicate  her  yield 
of  milk,  and  this  will  always  be  found  to  correspond  with  her  escutcheon. 
Every  cow  has  an  escutcheon  which  can  be  recognized,  and  according  as 
it  is  free  from  blemish  or  imperfection,  just  in  that  degree  does  she  ap- 
proach perfection  in  her  class, 

Guenon,  in  the  last  edition  of  his  work,  has  altered  and  simplified  his 
classification  somewhat,  for  he  divided  it  into  ten  classes,  and  six  orders 
to  each  class.  He  maintained  his  three  grades  of  size.  But  our  experience 
shows  that  the  cows  in  this  country  do  not  vary  so  much  in  size  as  they 
probably  do  in  France,  for  there  they  have  the  little  Brittany  cow,  which 
is  very  small  but  good,  and,  of  course,  they  have  also  cows  as  large  as  our 
Durhams  or  the  Holsteins.  Only  this,  bear  in  mind,  that  cows,  as  a  gen- 
eral rule,  all  other  things  being  equal,  will  vary  in  their  yield  somewhat 
according  to  their  size  ;  and  in  judging  cows  apply  that  rule,  for  it  is  part 
of  Guenon's  system,  and  they  will  vary  in  the  quality  according  to  the 
breed.  Well,  then,  for  practical  purposes,  we  need  only  study  sixty  es- 
cutcheons, that  is  ten  different  shapes  called  Classes,  and  six  grades  to 
each  of  those  shapes,  more  or  less  perfect,  which  are  called  Orders.  To 
these  must  be  added  ten  more  for  a  Bastard  to  each  class.  And  it  is 
really  necessary  to  study  perfectly  only  the  first  four  orders  of  each  class 
and  the  Bastard  marks,  as  it  is  not  worth  while  to  purchase  or  pay  much 
attention  to  any  cows  lower  in  the  scale  than  the  fourth  order  of  any  class. 
And  to  simplify  it  still  more,  you  will  notice  the  thigh  escutcheons  of  the 
first  orders  have  all  nearly  the  same  shovel  shape,  so  that  by  remembering 
this  you  need  only  study  the  vertical  portions  to  readily  place  the  animals 
in  their  proper  class. 

The  Escutcheon. 
The  escutcheon  was  so-called,  we  presume,  from  its  similarity  to  the 
shape  of  a  shield  or  escutcheon,  and  on  a  first-class  cow  it  will  be  very 
like  it,  and  some-what  like  a  round-pointed  shovel.  On  this  escutcheon, 
the  hair  will  generally  be  of  a  different  color  from  that  bordering  it,  most 
generally  rather  darker,  always  shorter,  and  more  nearly  resembling  fur. 
This  difference  in  color  is  produced  by  the  up-growing  hair  contrasting 
with  the  DOWN-growing  surrounding  it.     The  hair  of  the  escutcheon  should 


24  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

be  short,  soft,  and  fine ;  and  the  skin  very  soft,  like  a  kid  glove,  thin,  and 
oleaginous.  And  if  the  cow  gives  good  rich  milk,  this  skin  will  be  of  a 
rich,  golden,  or  nankeen  hue.  Often  where  you  handle  a  skin  of  this  char- 
acter the  hands  will  feel  oily,  and  soiled  with  rich  dandruff. 

The  Shape  of  the  Escutcheon. 

The  escutcheon  varies  in  shape,  and  Guenon  named  his  ten  classes  from 
their  shapes. 

The  first  class,  he  called  Flandrine  or  Flanders,  because  it  is  the  best, 
and  he  named  it  from  the  best  cows  he  knew,  those  from  Flanders,  or  the 
Flemish  breed,  and  they  had  more  of  this  shaped  escutcheon  than  any 
other  breed  ;  a  quiet  but  sure  proof  of  the  truth  of  his  system. 

The  second  class  he  called  Flandrine  a  gauche,  because  although  it  had 
the  Flanders  shape,  it  was  on  the  left  flank,  he  called  it  therefore  the 
Left  Flanders. 

The  third  class  are  the  Lisiere,  or  The  Selvage,  from  its  appearance  to 
a  selvage,  or  binding  of  a  piece  of  cloth. 

The  fourth  class  are  the  Courbe-Ligne,  or  the  Curveline,  because  their 
escutcheon  is  lozenge-shaped,  formed  by  a  curved  line  which  sides  to  the 
right  and  left,  and  rises  to  about  five  or  six  centimeters  from  the  vulva. 

The  fifth  class  he  denominated  Bicorne,  or  the  Bicorn  cow,  because  the 
upper  part  of  this  escutcheon  forks  in  two  hoi-ns. 

The  sixth  class,  Double-Lisiere,  or  Double  Selvage,  has  an  entirely  ar- 
bitrary name,  and  it  is  an  odd  freak  of  nature. 

The  seventh  class  is  called  Poitevine,  or  Demijohn,  from  a  fancied  re- 
semblance to  some  kinds  of  demijohns. 

The  eighth  class  is  Equerrine,  or  Square-Escutcheon,  as  it  is  square  at 
the  upward  part. 

The  ninth  class  is  the  Limousine,  as  it  was  on  a  cow  from  that  Province 
that  Guenon  first  saw  this  shaped  escutcheon. 

The  tenth  class  is  called  Carresine,  or  Horizontal,  because  the  upward 
part  of  the  escutcheon  is  cut  off  squarely  by  a  horizontal  line. 

To  each  of  the  above  ten  Classes,  Guenon  has  placed  six  Orders, 
which  are  variations  of  the  escutcheon,  formed  by  a  reduced  size  and  by 
various  imperfections.  If  the  reader  will  remember  always,  that  the  first 
class  is  better  than  the  second  class,  and  the  second  class  better  than  the 
third  class,  and  so  on  down  the  scale,  to  the  end  of  the  classes,  he  will 
have  gained  the  first  step  in  acquiring  the  system.  Then  the  next  point 
to  remember  is  similar,  that  is,  that  the  first  order  of  every  class  is  better 
than  the  second  order  of  that  class,  and  so  on  down  the  scale  of  the  or- 
ders, until  the  sixth.  Then  he  must  learn  the  different  shapes  ;  first,  the 
characteristic  shape  of  each  class,  as  represented  by  the  first  order  of  that 
class,  and  connect  with  this,  in  his  mind,  the  number  of  quarts  a  first-class 
cow,  in  good  feed  and  condition,  should  give,  as  represented  by  that  es- 
cutcheon, in  her  full  flow  of  milk.     Then  he  can  next  learn  the  variations 


Learning  the  Escutcheons.  25 

in  size  and  shape  from  this  pattern  escutcheon,  and  that  will  enable  him  to 
tell  which  order  of  her  class  to  put  her  in,  and  that  will  then  inform  him 
what  quantity  of  milk  she  will  give,  and  how  long  she  will  give  it  when 
with  calf.  And  we  repeat  here,  it  is  necessary  only  to  acquire  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  first  three  or  four  orders  of  each  of  the  ten  classes,  as  if  the 
cow  examined  does  not  come  within  those  orders,  she  is  not  worth  exam- 
ining further  nor  keeping  longer,  nor  certainly  worth  purchasing.  Then 
the  learner  must  next  acquire  a  knowledge  of  the  distinguishing  marks 
which  point  out  a  Bastard  cow,  for  an  account  of  which  marks,  see  under 
that  head. 

Now  all  of  this  knowledge  must,  to  put  it  into  profit  practically,  be  sup- 
plemented by  the  careful  examination  of  the  hair  and  the  skin,  of  the  es- 
cutcheon, and  the  udder:  of  the  hair,  whether  it  is  short,  fine,  soft,  and 
furry ;  of  the  skin,  whether  it  is  soft  and  close-grained  like  a  kid  glove, 
thin,  oleaginous,  and  yellow  or  golden.  For  if  the  hair  is  harsh,  and  long, 
particularly  on  the  back  part  of  the  udder,  it  will  shorten  the  time  of 
giving  milk,  and  indicates  a  poorer  quality.  The  more  oily  or  greasy  to 
the  feeling  the  skin  of  the  udder  and  the  perineum  is,  the  more  it  indicates 
good  quality  and  richness  of  milk,  for  the  oil  or  fat  is  there,  showing  it  is 
in  the  nature  of  that  animal  to  give  butyraceous  milk.  So  with  the  color 
of  the  skin,  if  it  is  golden  it  is  indicative  of  rich  milk,  and  the  majority 
think  it  will  make  a  finer  colored  butter.  There  is  one  point  more  in 
judging  by  the  escutcheon,  and  that  is  its  size  and  position,  and  the  gen- 
eral rule  is,  the  higher  up  it  is  on  the  thighs,  and  the  broader  it  is  on  the 
thighs,  together  with  the  higher  and  broader  it  is  on  the  perineum,  even 
up  to  the  vulva,  then  the  better  it  is.  Then  remember  the  escutcheon  has 
two  principal  parts,  called  the  thigh  escutcheon  and  the  vertical  escutcheon ; 
the  thigh  escutcheon  extends  over  the  udder  and  the  thighs ;  and  the  ver- 
tical is  over  the  perineum  or  that  part  of  the  posterior  which  extends  from 
the  udder  up  to  the  tail  and  above  the  vulva. 

If  the  thigh  escutcheon  is  high  and  broad,  therefore  very  large,  and  ex- 
tends far  outward  on  to  the  thighs,  it  indicates  a  large  flow  of  milk.  If  the 
vertical  or  upper  part  is  broad  and  smooth,  it  indicates  a  prolonged  flow  of 
milk. 

If  the  thigh  or  lower  portion  of  the  escutcheon  is  narrow,  the  flow  will 
be  proportionally  small.  If  the  vertical  or  upper  part  is  narrow  and 
irregular,  it  is  unfavorable  to  a  prolonged  flow. 

Chalkley  Harvey  says  further  of  these  marks  :  "  Imperfections,  that  is 
blemishes  of  form,  occur  in  considerable  variety  on  both  large  and  small 
escutcheons.  They  are  all  certain  evidence  of  a  diminished  value  of  the 
cow  as  a  milker.  A  small  and  imperfect  escutcheon  on  a  good  cow,  is 
something  I  have  never  yet  seen.  Any  want  of  symmetry  in  the  form  of 
an  escutcheon  is  an  imperfection.  The  two  sides  should  be  alike.  A  small 
but  perfect  escutcheon  may  be  better  than  a  larger  one  that  is  imperfect. 
A  very  good  one  is  both  large  and  perfect. 


26  GuENON  ON  MiLcu  Cows. 

"  Thus  far  we  have  considered  the  escutcheon  in  reference  to  its  form 
and  size  alone,  and  may  now  say,  that  the  quantity  of  milk  depends  on 
these,  but  its  quality  is  indicated  by  other  signs,  which  we  find  to  a  great 
extent  in  the  same  place.  It  is  too  well  known  to  require  any  assertion, 
that  some  cows  give  a  large  quantity  of  very  poor  milk,  and  others  an 
equally  large  quantity  of  rich  milk.  It  is  equally  well  known  that  some 
cows  give  but  little  milk,  though  they  yield  a  good  quantity  of  butter ; 
and  I  repeat,  that  the  signs  indicative  of  these  differences  of  quality  are 
found  in  the  escutcheon,  and  they  are  easily  recognized.  If  the  skin  in  the 
escutcheon  is  soft  and  oily,  and  particularly  if  it  is  of  a  rich  yellow  color, 
(though  this  is  more  easily  seen  by  examining  the  end  of  the  tail,)  sugges- 
tive of  "gilt  edged"  butter,  that  cow  will  give  good  milk.  In  such  cases 
we  will  find  her  hair  soft  and  short.  There  may  be  some  long  hairs,  too, 
but  the  undergrowth  will  be  as  mentioned,  and  often  has  almost  the  qual- 
ity of  fur.  But  if,  on  the  other  hand,  the  skin  is  white  and  dry,  and  the 
hair  thin  and  harsh,  the  cow  gives  poor  milk.  If  her  escutcheon  is  large 
and  symmetrical,  she  may  give  a  large  quantity  of  poor  milk.  The  form 
and  size  of  the  escutcheon  indicate  quantity^  the  skin  and  hair  indicate 
quality.  These  signs  are  true  also  as  applied  to  bulls,  being  in  such  cases 
a  proper  guide  in  the  selection  of  animals  to  breed  milkers  from.  My  own 
experience  and  observation,  which  has  been  considerable  in  the  matter, 
convinces  me  that  cows  inherit  their  milking  qualities  more  from  their 
sires  than  from  their  dams ;  and  it  is  probable  that  many  who  have  been 
disappointed  in  heifers  raised  from  some  favorite  milkers,  will  be  disposed 
to  agree  with  me.  If  this  be  true,  then  the  Guenon  method  has  an  appli- 
cation that  must  prove  valuable  to  those  who  breed  cows  for  dairy  pur- 
poses. Another  interesting  fact  is,  that  we  can  discover  all  the  signs  on 
a  calf,  and  are  thereby  enabled  to  select  with  much  certainty  those  that  are 
fit  for  the  dairy,  and  to  reject  those  that  would  be  only  a  disappointment, 
if  raised  for  that  purpose.  Of  course,  a  very  small  cow,  with  ever  so  good 
an  escutcheon,  cannot  be  expected  to  give  a  very  large  quantity  of  milk, 
and  might  be  inferior  in  that  respect  to  one  having  a  less  perfect  one, 
where  the  animal  is  of  greater  size.  But  in  such  cases,  the  small  cow  would 
give  much  more  in  proportion  to  the  cost  of  keeping.  In  all  cases,  there- 
fore, the  size  should  be  taken  into  account.  • 

"  There  is  a  sign  that  may  be  mentioned  here,  (though  it  does  not  prop- 
erly belong  to  the  Guenon  system,)  which  is  a  very  certain  evidence  that 
a  cow  will  give  a  large  quantity  of  milk,  though  it  expresses  nothing  in  re- 
lation to  quality.  It  is  the  large  size  of  the  vein  running  forward  from 
the  udder,  on  the  belly,  and  just  under  the  skin.  This  is  called  the  milk 
vein,  and  when  it  is  very  large  and  crooked,  and  enters  the  abdomen 
througli  a  hole  that  will  allow  the  entrance  of  a  man's  finger,  it  is,  I  repeat, 
a  sign  that  the  cow  will  yield  a  large  quantity  of  milk. 

"  The  time  that  a  cow  will  continue  to  milk  after  she  is  with  calf,  varies 
in  diflferent  cases — some  ceasing  almost  as  soon  as  pregnant,  and  others 


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Oua  Mode  of  Judging  Stock.  27 

milking  up  to  calving.  Generally  the  best  milkers  milk  the  longest.  Hence 
it  follows,  that  a  good  escutcheon  usually  indicates  continued  flow  as  well 
as  large  quantity.  Those  escutcheons  that  are  not  large  at  the  base,  but 
that  run  up  to  the  vulva  symmetrical  all  the  way,  and  pretty  wide,  indicate 
a  yield  of  milk  up  to  the  time  of  calving." 

Our  Mode  of  Judging-  Stock. 

The  beauty  of  the  Guenon  system  is,  that  it  is  an  aid  to  all  other  modes 
of  selecting  stock,  and  therefore,  it  gives  a  decided  advantage  to  the  per- 
son who  understands  it  over  the  one  who  does  not.  For  instance,  let  two 
buyers  go  into  a  herd,  and  let  them  be  equal  judges  of  stock,  one  of  them 
will  be  very  apt  to  buy  a  bastard,  while  the  other  one  would  very  positively 
leave  her  alone,  simply  because  the  latter  has  a  knowledge  of  the  best  and 
surest  mode  of  all  modes  of  judging  stock.  And  this  knowledge  does  not 
prevent  him  from  using  his  half  a  dozen  other  modes  of  deciding  its  merits, 
but  aids  them.  So,  too,  in  selecting  a  bull  for  a  propagator,  the  believer 
in  Guenon  will  select  one  with  a  good  escutcheon  and  a  fine  skin,  while  the 
other  will  decide  almost  entirely  by  the  form.  And  so  with  calves,  the 
one  who  selects  calves  by  the  Guenon  marks  will  be  pretty  sure  to  have  a 
dairy  of  productive  cows,  while  the  other  will  have  to  dispose  of  some 
unprofitable  ones.  The  one  makes  monej-,  because  he  is  working  intelli- 
gently with  every  light  of  science,  while  the  other  is  only  guessing  pretty 
well. 

We  first  look  at  a  cow  from  the  front,  and  see  that  she  widens  as  she 
gets  back  to  her  hips,  or  is  wedge-shai)ed.  Xext  we  look  at  her  side,  and 
we  again  see  that  she  rises  on  her  back  and  descends  on  the  belly  as  she 
goes  back  to  the  tail,  or  in  other  words  she  is  wedge-shaped,  too,  from 
this  point  of  view.  These  two  looks  at  her  have  enabled  us  to  see  that  she 
has  a  feminine  appearance ;  that  her  head  is  small  and  neat  in  proportion 
to  her  body,  with  a  waxy  small  horn,  a  mild  but  large  eye,  a  broad  muzzle, 
and  that  it  is  well  set  on  her  neck ;  that  she  has  a  good  chest,  and  large 
deep  paunch,  with  large  full  ribs,  fuller  below  and  joined  to  a  rather  high 
back  bone ;  that  is  to  say  she  has  not  the  breadth  of  back  we  look  for  in  a 
beef  animal.  If  the  chine  is  double,  it  indicates  a  cow  above  the  average ;  if 
the  chine  is  single,  sometimes  we  can  lay  our  three  fingers  in  three  depres- 
sions in  it  at  about  the  middle  of  it,  showing  that  she  is  a  loose  rangy  cow, 
and  fitted  for  her  work.  Now  we  will  look  at  her  udder  and  see  that  it 
runs  forward  as  level  as  possible  to  the  belly,  and  that  it  is  large,  with 
four  good-sized,  well-shaped  teats  slightly  strutting  from  each  quarter. 
Now  we  gently  approach  her,  and  pat  her  to  gain  her  confidence,  and  get 
a  chance  to  feel  her  hide,  her  milk  veins,  and  examine  her  escutcheon.  If 
we  find  her  skin  is  thin,  soft,  and  greasy,  with  short  fine  hair,  with  rather 
a  furry  nature,  and  showing  the  skin  yellow  under  it ;  that  her  udder  and  her 
perineum  have  soft  thin  skin,  with  very  short  furry  hair ;  that  her  milk  veins 
are  large,  zig-zag,  and  knotty,  entering  the  body  with  good-sized  holes, 


38  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

and  particularly  if  this  vein  is  double,  extending  and  ramifying  over  the 
udder  well  back  in  prominent  veins,  and  if  the  veins  extend  over  the  peri- 
neum, we  may  then,  with  great  confidence,  look  for  a  large  well-shaped  and 
formed  escutcheon,  marked  first  class,  order  first,  by  an  oval  on  each  side 
of  the  back  of  the  udder,  and  perhaps  two  thigh  ovals  or  dips  where  the 
vertical  escutcheon  rises  from  the  broad  or  thigh  escutcheon;  and  just  to 
finish  and  find  all  points  corroborating,  we  will  look  on  the  vertical  escut- 
cheon for  some  spots  of  oily  lemon  colored  dandrufi",  and  at  the  end  of  her 
neat,  lightly  made  tail  to  find  some  large  yellow  pieces  of  dandrufi".  We 
don't  like  to  see  it  dry  and  brown ;  and  as  we  step  back  from  her,  we 
just  give  a  parting  look  to  see  that  her  hips  are  rather  large,  bony,  some- 
what drooping,  that  her  capacious  udder  has  room  to  project  between  her 
legs. 

Then,  we  feel  sure  that  a  loose,  open  made  cow,  rather  pointed,  or  sharp 
and  well-defined,  and  the  contrary  of  what  we  would  look  for  in  a  flesh  or 
beef  producing  animal;  with  a  skin  mellow  and  yellow,  covered  with  soft, 
fine  hair,  and  the  nearer  it  comes  to  the  quality  and  color  of  a  first  class 
Guernsey  or  Jersey  cow,  breeds  which  have  for  hundreds  of  years  been 
bred  for  butter  making,  then  we  repeat  we  know  she  must  be  a  good,  rich 
milker  and  butter  maker ;  for  we  never  saw  a  thick,  hard  skin  cow,  with 
coarse,  long  hair,  that  was  a  good  butter  maker,  or  fit  for  anything  but 
giving  poor  milk,  if  a  strong  milker. 

Our  preference  is  for  a  medium  sized  cow,  one  that  will  dress  five  hun- 
dred and  fifty  or  six  hundred  pounds  ;  and,  as  far  as  our  observation  goes, 
a  Jersey  sire,  with  an  Ayrshire  dam,  is  the  best  cross  for  a  milk  and  but- 
ter cow,  and  the  most  profitable  for  the  amount  of  food  consumed  ;  though 
a  Jersey  or  Guernsey  sire  to  the  milking  stock  of  Durhams,  or  a  Holstein, 
or  a  large  yielding  native  cow,  will  produce  a  better  cow  for  butter  than 
the  mother  was. 

To  get  thorough  practice  in  valueing  the  escutcheon,  take  this  book  in 
hand,  and  go  into  your  dairy-yard  ;  compare  the  escutcheon  of  each  cow 
with  her  picture  in  this  book  ;  see  what  it  calls  for  time  and  quantity,  and 
then  thoroughly  test  your  cow  ;  don't  guess  at  it,  as  most  farmers  do ;  and 
make  your  own  comparisons.  Remember  the  size  and  class  of  the  es- 
cutcheon will  give  you  the  quantity  and  time  ;  the  skin  and  hair  will  give 
you  the  quality ;  and  always  remembering  the  size  of  the  cow,  and  of  what 
breed  she  is,  for  they  must  qualify  your  opinion  somewhat. 

Opinions  of  the  System. 

A  writer  in  the  Country  G'en^Zeman  of  July  17, 1879,  S,  Iloxie,  of  Whites- 
town,  New  York,  so  thoroughly  expresses  our  experience  and  convictions, 
that  we  are  led  to  quote  it : 

"  The  writer  has  been  acquainted  with  '  the  escutcheon  theory' '  ever  since 
about  1850.  During  this  time  he  has  been  a  practical  dairyman  in  central 
New  York.    At  first  he  approached  the  study  of  the  escutcheon  as  a  doubter. 


Experiences  of  Practical  Men.  29 

It  seemed  to  him  an  absolute  absurdity  to  claim  a  connection  between  the 
growing  of  the  hair  and  the  production  of  milk,  two  functions  so  entirely 
different. 

"At  first  he  examined  the  herd  of  cows  which  he  helped  milk  every  night 
and  morning,  and  was  surprised  to  meet  with  so  many  proofs  of  the  truth 
of  the  theory.  He  then  observed  it  upon  other  herds,  and  finally  extended 
his  observations  to  various  breeds  under  various  circumstances.  He  was 
at  last  compelled  to  come  to  the  final  conclusion  that  the  theory,  in  the 
main,  was  true,  but  that  other  points  and  conditions  of  the  animal  must 
be  understood  in  order  invariably  to  reach  a  correct  judgment: 

"1.  The  breed  modifies  the  quantity  and  quality  of  milk  production. 
This  is  so  manifestly  true  that  it  needs  no  argument.  A  particular  order 
and  class  of  escutcheon  indicates  a  different  quantity  and  a  different  qual- 
ity of  milk  on  a  Jersey  than  it  indicates  on  an  Ayrshire  cow. 

"  2.  The  condition  of  care  and  feed  to  which  different  families  of  the 
same  breed  have  been  accustomed  during  long  periods  modify  milk  pro- 
duction, and  must  be  taken  into  consideration.  For  instance,  certain  fam- 
ilies of  Short-Horns  have  been  cared  for  and  fed  through  several  generations 
with  the  sole  view  of  beef  production  ;  other  families  have  been  trained  to 
milk  production.  Escutcheons  upon  the  former  indicate  far  less  quantity 
of  milk  than  upon  the  latter.  Thus  some  families  with  very  fine  escutcheons 
give  very  little  milk.  The  escutcheons  in  such  cases  no  doubt  indicate  an 
original  capacity  that  a  few  generations  of  proper  treatment  might  awaken 
and  develop, 

"  3.  The  capacity  and  health  of  the  digestive  organs  modifies  the  quan- 
tity, and  we  also  think  the  quality,  of  milk  production.  Cows  with  large, 
healthy  digestive  organs  will  eat  and  properly  digest  more  food,  and  give 
good  return  at  the  pail,  than  one  with  opposite  conditions  of  the  digestive 
organs.  The  former  may  sometimes  give  the  larger  quantity  of  milk, 
though,  indeed,  possessed  of  the  poorer  escutcheon. 

"  4.  The  activity  of  the  nervous  system  materially  affects  milk  production. 
This  is  often  seen  when  the  animal  is  unduly  excited.  The  quiet  disposi- 
tioned  cow  that  attends  to  feeding,  and  is  not  disturbed  by  any  excitement 
in  the  herd  or  in  the  surrounding  fields,  may  have  the  poorer  escutcheon, 
yet  give  larger  quantities  of  milk  than  the  extremely  excitable  cow,  with 
the  better  escutcheon. 

"Other  conditions  will  suggest  themselves  to  the  observing  and  reflecting 
man,  that  materially  affect  the  quantity  and  quality  of  milk  production. 

"  These  modifying  conditions  do  not  disturb  the  true  theory  of  the  es- 
cutcheon. Other  things  being  equal,  the  escutcheon  is  indicative  of  the 
quantity  and  quality  of  milk.  Many  are  misled  in  estimating  the  value 
of  the  escutcheon,  because  they  have  not  the  patience  or'  the  capacity  to 
observe  the  varying  conditions.  The  escutcheon  is  of  immense  practical 
value.  It  is  easily  seen  the  conditions  of  flesh  do  not  change  it,  and  ani- 
nals  of  all  ages,  above  three  months,  may  be  examined  by  it,  and  their 


so  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

milking  qualities  determined  with  a  good  degree  of  accuracy.  Other 
things  being  equal,  the  animal  with  the  better  escutcheon  will  invariably 
make  the  butter  maker.  During  nearly  thirty  years  of  observation,  the 
writer  never  observed  a  first  class  cow  that  had  a  poor  escutcheon.  The 
escutcheon  must  be  of  great  value  to  those  who  are  breeding,  and  en- 
deavouring to  improve  thoroughbred  cattle  of  the  various  milking  breeds. 
It  offers  a  test  that  maj^  be  applied  before  milking  age,  and  it  may  be  ap- 
plied to  males  as  well  as  females.  Though  the  pedigree  is  ever  so  long^ 
and  though  it  contains  many  good  ancestors,  the  animal  should  he  rejected 
from,  the  breeding  herd,  unless  it  has  a  good  escutcheon." 

"One  of  the  Farmers,"  a  regular  correspondent  of  the  American  Agri- 
culturist, writes  in  the  number  for  November,  18T8 : 

"  The  Value  of  the  Guenon  Milk  Mirror. — Taken  with  a  good  udder 
and  milk-veins,  good  digestive  functions,  and  capacity  for  food,  good  health 
and  thrift,  the  Guenon  milk  mirror  is  a  valuable  indication  of  both  the 
quantityanddurationof  the  flow  of  milk.  This  seems  to  be  demonstrated  by 
the  experience  of  thousands  who  have  given  the  subject  careful  study,  and 
I  have  never  yet  met  the  man  who  ridiculed  it,  and  called  it  "  folly,"  who 
was  able  intelligently  even  to  outline  the  prominent  types.  The  number  of 
calves  which  do  well  or  ill  as  milkers,  very  nearly  as  indicated  by  their 
milk  mirrors,  is  so  large,  that  one  of  the  principal  practical  uses  to  which 
a  knowledge  of  the  Guenon  system  can  be  applied  is  in  selecting  calves  to 
raise,  and,  of  course,  to  those  who  buy  cows,  it  comes  equally  well  in  use." 

The  American  Association  or  Breeders  of  Dutch  Friesian  Cattle, 
composed  of  some  of  the  most  practical  and  intelligent  farmers  of  the  dairy 
region  of  central  New  York,  have  adopted  a  new  set  of  rules  for  entry  into 
registry  in  their  Herd  Book,  wisely  making  the  performance  at  the  pail  one 
of  the  necessary  requirements.  Thus,  for  a  period  of  not  more  than  twelve 
months  from  date  of  calving,  the  cow  under  2^  years  of  age  must  give  6,000 
lbs.  of  milk ;  over  2^,  and  under  ^,  "7,000  lbs  ;  over  3i,  and  under  4^,  8,000 
ft)S ;  over  4-^,  9,000  ibs ;  also,  rule  8  :  No  animal  shall  be  admitted  to  reg- 
istry unless  of  the  "  milk  form,"  or  of  the  "  combined  milk  and  beef  form," 
of  medium  or  of  large  size,  without  coarseness,  and  if  a  female,  having  a 
well  developed  escutcheon,  not  below  the  4th  oider  of  the  1st  class,  the  3d 
orders  of  the  2d,  3d,  4th,  5th,  Gth,  tth,  and  8th  classes,  the  2d  order  of  the 
9th  class,  or  the  1st  order  of  the  10th  class  of  the  Pennsylvania  Commis- 
sion. With  such  a  record,  and  with  such  marks,  no  one  need  take  the 
trouble  to  see  the  stock,  but  may  safely  order  it,  knowing  exactly  what 
they  are  to  receive. 


Waring  and  French  on  the  System.  31 

George  E.  Waring,  junior,  says: 

"If  the  escutcheon  teaches  anything  it  teaches  the  duration  of  the  Jlow 
of  milk.  This  is  its  great  value  in  connection  with  the  Jerseys — a  race 
of  small,  rich,  and  persistent  milkers.  It  does  indicate  quantity,  it  is  true, 
but  not  Dutch  quantity,  nor  A^'rshire  quantity ;  only  Jersey  quantity, 
which  is  quite  another  affair.  It  indicates,  in  at  least  equal  degree,  the 
continuance  of  tbe  flow  of  milk.  Indeed,  this  is  the  great  value  of  Gue- 
non's  discovery.  It  is  easy  to  judge  of  the  present  flow  of  milk  in  the 
case  of  any  given  cow,  but,  so  far  as  I  know,  there  is  nothing  but  the  es- 
cutcheon to  tell  us  how  long  she  will  continue  to  milk  after  getting  with 
calf.  If  she  has  txjirst  class  escutcheon,  I  think  we  are  safe  in  balieving 
that  she  will  hold  out  well  in  her  milking.  If  she  has  a  very  defective 
escutcheon,  we  may  depend  on  her  to  fall  away  very  rapidly  when  a  few 
months  gone,  and  to  shut  down  entirely  three  or  four  months  before  calv- 
ing. 

From  an  exhaustive  and  admirable  treatise  on  the  Ayrshire  breed,  by 
John  I).  W.  French,  of  North  Andover,  Mass.,  we  make  the  following  ex- 
tracts from  his  remarks  on  the  Guenon  system  : 

"  Pabst,  a  German  farmer  of  large  experience,  with  a  view  to  simplify 
the  method  of  Guenon,  and  render  it  of  greater  practical  value,  made  five 
divisions,  or  classes : — 

1.  Very  good,  or  extraordinary. 

2.  Good,  or  good  middling. 

3.  Middling,  and  little  below  middling. 

4.  Small. 

5.  Very  bad  milkers. 

"  Magne,  the  French  writer,  made  a  still  further  simplification,  by  mak- 
ing four  classes  instead  of  five  : — 

1 .  The  very  good. 

2.  The  good. 

3.  The  medium. 

4.  The  bad. 

"  In  the  first  class  he  places  cows,  both  parts  of  whose  milk-mirror,  the 
mammal y  and  the  perinean,  are  large,  continuous,  uniform,  covering  at 
least  a  great  part  of  the  perineum,  the  udder,  the  inner  surface  of  the 
thighs,  and  extending  more  or  less  out  upon  the  legs  with  no  interruptions, 
or,  if  any,  small  ones,  oval  in  form,  and  situated  on  the  posterior  face  of 
the  udder.  Cows  of  this  class  are  very  rare.  They  give,  even  when  small 
in  size,  from  ten  to  fourteen  quarts  per  day,  and  the  largest  size  from 
eighteen  to  twenty-six  quarts  a  day,  and  even  more.  They  continue  in 
milk  for  a  long  period. 

"  The  second  class  is  that  of  good  cows,  and  to  this  belong  the  best 
commonly  found  in  the  market.  They  have  the  mammary  part  of  the 
milk-mirror  well  developed,  but  the  perinean  part  contracted  or  wholly 
wanting.  Small  cows  of  this  class  give  from  seven  to  ten  or  eleven  quarts 
a  day,  and  the  largest  from  thirteen  to  seventeen  quarts. 

"  The  third  class  consists  of  middling  cows.  When  the  milk-mirror 
really  presents  only  the  lower  or  mammary  part  slightly  developed  or  in- 
dented, and  the  perinean  part  contracted,  narrow,  and  irregular,  the  cows 
are  middling.  Cows  of  this  class,  according  to  size,  give  from  three  or 
four  to  ten  quarts  per  day. 

"  The  fourth  class  is  composed  of  bad  cows.  No  veins  are  to  be  seen 
either  on  the  perineum  or  the  udder,  while  those  of  the  belly  are  very 
slightly  developed,  and  the  mirrors  are  ordinarily  small.  These  cows  give 
only  a  few  quarts  of  milk  a  day,  and  dry  up  a  short  time  after  calving. 


32  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

"Mr.  C.  L.  Flint,  in  his  work  on  '  Milch  Cows,'  says : — 

"These  classifications,  adopted  by  Pabst,  Ma^ne,  and  otliers,  appear  to  be  far  more 
simple  and  satisfactory  than  the  more  complicated  classification  of  Guenon.  Without 
pretending  to  Judge  with  accuracy  of  the  quantity,  the  quality,  or  the  duration  which 
a  particular  size  or  form  of  the  mirror  will  indicate,  they  give  to  Guenon  the  full  credit 
of  his  important  discover3\  as  a  new  and  valuable  element  in  forming  otir  judgment 
of  the  milking  qualities  of  a  cow,  and  simply  assert,  with  respect  to  the  duration  of 
the  flow  of  milk,  that  the  mirror  that  indicates  the  greatest  quantity  will  also  indicate 
the  longest  duration. 

">ry  own  attention  was  called  to  Guenon's  method  of  judging  cows  some  eight  or 
ten  years  ago,  and  since  that  time  1  have  examined  many  hundreds,  with  a  view  to  as- 
certain the  correctness  of  its  main  features,  inquiring,  at  the  same  time,  after  the  views 
and  opinions  of  the  best  breeders  and  judges  of  stock,  with  regard  to  their  experience 
and  judgment  of  its  merits;  and  the  result  of  my  observations  has  been  that  cows 
with  the  most  perfectly  developed  milk-mirrors  or  escutcheons  are,  with  rare  excep- 
tions, the  best  milkers  of  their  breed,  and  that  cows  with  small  and  slightly  developed 
mirrors  are,  in  the  majoritv  of  cases,  bad  milkers. 

"I  say  the  best  milkers  of  </teir  breed,  for  I  do  not  believe  that  precisely  tlie  same 
sized  arid  formed  milk-mirrors  on  a  Hereford,  or  a  Devon  and  an  Ayrshire,  or  a  native, 
will  indicate  anything  like  the  same  or  equal  milking  properties.  It  will  not  do,  in 
my  opinion,  ta  disregard  the  general  and  well-known  characteristics  of  the  breed,  and 
rely  wholly  on  the  liiilk-mirror ;  but  I  think  it  may  be  safely  said  that,  as  a  general 
rule,  the  best  marked  Hereford  will  turn  out  to  be  the  best  milker  among  the  Here- 
fords,  ail  of  which  are  poor  milkers  ;  the  best  marked  Devon,  the  best  among  the  De- 
vons ;  and  the  best  marked  Ayrshire,  the  best  among  the  Ayrshires;  that  is,  it  will 
not  do  to  compare  two  animals  of  entirely  distinct  breeds  by  the  miLk-mirrors  alone, 
■without  regard  to  the  fixed  habits  and  education,  so  to  speak,  of  the  breed  or  family 
to  which  they  belong." 

"  In  ray  own  herd  of  Ayshire  cows,  the  largest  milkers  have  the  best 
escutcheons,  and  these  cows  have,  in  most  cases,  transmitted  these  marks 
to  their  descendants.  On  the  other  hand,  the  cows  with  medium  or  poor 
escutcheons  have  rarely  transmitted  to  their  calves  better  ones ;  but,  gen- 
erally, of  the  same  or  lower  class  than  the  dams. 

"Bulls. — Guenon's  second  and  hardly  less  important  discovery  was 
that  the  bull  had  the  same  marks  as  the  cow,  only  somewhat  shorter  and 
narrower.  "  Guenon  bestows  upon  these  marks  the  same  name,  '  milk- 
mirror,'  which  may  be  justified,  in  as  far  as  the  bull  has  greater  influence 
upon  the  sustaining  or  obtaining  of  an  abundant  yield  of  milk,  as  well  as 
the  improvement  of  the  breed." 

"  Some  Testimony Mr.  L.  A.  Hansen,  of  Bay  St.  Louis,  writes,  in  a 

letter  to  the  Country  Gentleman  : 

"  I  served  my  apprenticeship  for  three  years  on  a  dairy  farm  with  two  hundred  cows, 
performing  all  the  labor  appertaining  to  a  farm,  the  same  as  one  of  the  hired  men. 
After  ihis,  for  twenty  years,  I  had  dairies  of  from  eighty  to  one  hundred  and  seventj'- 
cows.  Living  in  the  best  dairy  country  then  known,  and  our  butter  commanding  the 
very  highest  market  prices  in  London,  England,  (  taking  the  i^remium  at  a  buttc^r  ex- 
hibition in  London,)  we  considered  it  the  best  policy  to  buy  our  cows  insteatl  of  rais- 
ing them,  and  I  consequently  had  to  purchase  from  twenty  to  thirty  cows  every  year. 
Having  adopted  the  Guenon  system  as  a  helping  guide  in  my  purchases,  I  nccossarily 
examined  more  than  a  hundred  cows  annually,  besides  having  under  daily  observa- 
tion my  own  cows  and  thofee  of  the  neighboring  dairy  farms.  Thus,  I  had  continual 
practicrb  through  a  number  of  years.  The  cla.ssifications  of  the  professor,  mentioned 
in  my  former  article,  were,  witli  very  rare  exceptions,  right.  In  the  first  two  classes, 
they  did  not  fail  once  ;  in  the  lower  classes,  more  frequently  ;  but  as  the  lower  classes, 
with  their  sub-division,  aieof  no  importance  to  thodairyman — only  the  twolirst  being 
tit  for  a  dairy — the  study  of  ihem  becomes  imnecessary,  and  it  is  of  little  avail  if  they 
are  minutely  correct. 

'•As  nothing  in  this  world  is  perfect,  we  cannot  reasonably  expect  the  Guenon  sys- 
tem to  bo  without  defects;  but,  as  already  stated  above,  the  imperfection  is  to  be 
looked  for  in  that  part  which  is  immaterial  for  practical  application.  Under  all  cir- 
cumstances, an  far  as  viy  exjjericnce  goes,  the  Oaenon  t/ieory  will  always  remain  a 
valuable  guide  in  selcctxoig  milk  cows.^' 

"Mr.  L.  S.  Hardin  writes,  in  a  prize  essay: 

"Very  few,  if  anv,  modern  writers  upon  cattle  have  accepted  the  complicated 
theory  of  Guenon,  w'liile  no  two  of  them  agree  as  to  the  extent  in  value  of  the  escutch- 
eon.   As  a  point  of  beauty,  it  should  certainly  bo  cultivated  in  the  herd.    As  to  its 


Mr.  French's  Testimony  to  the  System.  33 

practical  value  for  indicating  the  milking  qualities  of  tlio  cow,  my  experience  is  that  a 
finely-developed  escutcheon  is  rarely  seen  on  a  poor  milker,  while  many  excellent 
milkers  have  very  small  or  no  escutcheons  at  all.  In  other  words,  its  presence  is  a 
good  sign,  while  its  absence  is  not  necessarily  a  cause  lor  distrust.  Milk-veins,  as  an 
indication  for  milking  capacity,  are  of  about  the  same  value  as  the  escutcheon." 

"The  editor  of  the  Jersey  Bulletin,  in  commenting  on  thig,  says: 

«' We  should  be  very  glad  to  know  of  a  cow,  worthy  to  be  called  an  'excellent  milker' — 
duration  of  the  flow  after  becoming  pregnant  being  one  of  the  tests — which  has  no  es- 
cutcheon at  all,  or  a  very  small  one.  As  at  present  advised,  we  don't  believe  she  ex- 
ists. Most  old  cow  men  would  say  that,  if  the  escutcheon  is  as  valuable  an  indication 
as  the  milk-veins,  too  much  effort  can  hardly  be  made  to  extend  knowledge  concern- 
ing it." 

"  Henry  Tanner,  professor  of  agriculture,  Queen's  College,  Birmingham, 
England,  says,  in  a  volume  of  prize  essays  of  the  Highland  and  Agricul- 
tural Society: 

"  Some  attention  has  also  been  given,  within  a  few  years,  to  a  discovery,  made  by 
Mons.  Guenon,  respecting  '  the  escutcheon,'  as  it  is  termed.  Like  miany  other  persons, 
he  was  carried  beyond  the  boundary  of  discretion  in  his  speculations,  and  thus  his 
valuable  observations  were  for  a  time  lost  in  the  mist  with  which  he  enveloped  them. 
Sufficient  is  already  known  of  its  value,  at  least,  to  lead  us  to  the  conclusion  that  it  is 
worthy  of  more  general  knowledge.  .       .    . 

"A  very  extended  observation  has  proved  that,  other  conditions  being  equal,  the 
modification  of  form  presented  by  tlie  escutcheon  will  lead  to  an  estimation,  not  only 
of  the  quantity  of  milk  which  the  animal  will  produce,  but  also  of  the  time  during 
which  the  cow  will  keep  up  the  supply  of  milk. 

"  Without  going  into  detail  upon  this  point,  I  may  briefly  state  that  the  larger  the 
extent  of  theescutcheon,  the  greater  is  the  promise  of  milk,  and  also  of  its  continu- 
ance, even  after  the  cow  is  again  in  calf.  A  cow  may  have  a  small  escutcheon,  and  yet 
be  a  good  milker ;  but  observation  leads  to  the  conclusion  that,  if  she  possessed  a  more 
fully  developed  escutcheon,  she  would  have  been  a  better  milker.  It  maybe  consid- 
ered a  point  of  merit,  not  as  deciding  whether  or  not  the  cow  is  a  good  milker,  but 
rather  asan  additional  indication  which  maybe  taken  into  consideration  in  conjunction 
with  other  characteristic  points.  It  is  also  desirable,  in  estimating  the  extent  of  the, 
escutcheon,  to  make  full  allowance  for  the  folds  in  the  skin ;  otherwise,  a  large  escutch- 
eon may  be  taken  for  a  small  one.  Besides  the  escutcheon,  there  are  tufts  of  hair  (epis) 
which  have  a  certain  degree  of  value  when  seen  upon  the  udder  of  the  cow." 

"  I  presume  there  are  many  men  who,  although  perhaps  not  caring  a  pin 
for  an  escutcheon,  yet  consider  themselves  fully  capable  of  selecting  a  good 
milk  cow.  Now,  although  ignoring  the  escutcheon  in  their  judgment,  are 
they  not  apt,  in  selecting  an  ideal  cow  of  any  particular  milk  breed,  to 
find  a  good  escutcheon  developed  of  one  class  or  another  ? 

"  Perhaps  it  may  be  asked,  if  the  Guenon  system  is  a  true  one,  why  are 
not  the  Short-Horns  a  great  milk  breed,  for  in  them  we  often  find  very  large 
and  perfect  escutcheons  ? 

"  This  question  may  be  answered  as  follows  :  The  Short-Horns  were  origi- 
nally a  good  milking  breed ;  but,  having  been  made  particularly  a  beef 
breed,  the  milking  propensity  or  mammary  system  has  in  most  families 
been  changed  or  bred  out.  Notwithstanding  this  change,  they  may  retain 
the  escutcheon,  not  as  a  mark  of  quality,  but  as  one  of  the  characteristic 
marks  of  the  breed. 

"All  farmers  are  aware  that  a  first-class  milk  cow  may,  by  injudicious 
feed  and  treatment,  especially  as  regards  milking,  become  a  second-class 
animal.  Now,  such  a  system,  carried  out  generation  after  generation,  must 
certainly  degenerate  a  milk  breed,  however  good  their  marks  and  quality. 

"Among  the  Short-Horns,  probably  the  best  milkers  have  good  esciitch- 
eons ;  but  an  Ayrshire  cow,  with  an  inferior  escutcheon,  might  be  found 
to  give  more  milk  than  a  Short-Horn  with  a  superior  escutcheon,  simply 
because  one  breed  has  been  bred  especially  for  beef,  the  other  especially 
for  milk. 
3 


34  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

"  To  show  how  breeding  for  a  purpose  through  many  generations  may 
ultimately  change  qualities,  let  us  compare  the  Short-Horns  with  the  Dutch 
or  Holsteins.  The  early  Short-Horns,  or  the  Teeswater  breed,  as  it  was 
called,  was  of  Dutch  origin,  or  was  certainly  formed  by  crossing  the  native 
cattle  of  England  with  stock  imported  from  Holland.  This  breed  was 
originally  considered  remarkable  for  its  milking  qualities. 

"  The  Dutch  breed,  bred  for  generations  for  the  especial  purpose  of  milk, 
is  to-daj^  noted  for  large  milkers,  and  among  the  cows  may  be  found  ex- 
traordinarily developed  escutcheons. 

"  The  following  extract,  from  a  translation  from  the  French  of  Magne 
on  milk  cows,  is  apropos^  as  showing  the  difference  between  characteristics 
of  breeds  and  qualities  of  the  animals  : 

"A  long,  fine  head,  narrow  towards  the  horns,  and  a  slender  chest  are  given  by  most 
writers  as  characteristics  of  a  good  milk  cow.  Now,  iu  Flemish,  Danish,  Dutch,  and 
Brittany  cows  the  fineness  of  head  and  chest  is  a  characteristic  of  theso  racas.  and  not 
the  indication  of  particularly  developed  milking  qualities,  being  met  with  alike  in  the 
good  and  l)ad  milkers  of  those  races ;  whilst  in  some  of  the  Swiss  breeds,  and  especially 
in  those  of  St.  Gcrvais,  nearly  all  the  cows,  whether  good  or  indifferent,  possess  a  large 
head  and  heavy  chest.  The  farmers  of  Ariege,  while  showing  us  some  remarkably 
good  cows,  drew  our  attention  to  their  strength  of  chest,  amisleness  of  the  dewlap,  and 
the  volume  of  the  head;  these  characteristics  of  rac9  thej'' mistake  for  qualities,  observ- 
ing them  in  their  best  cows.  On  the  other  hand,  it  is  to  be  remarked  that  cows  with 
fine  heads  are  often  inferior  milkers.  If  fineness  of  head  were  a  true  proof  of  mam- 
millary  activity,  would  not  the  cows  of  the  Durham  breed  be  amongst  the  best  chxiry 
animals  in  the  Avorld?  This  characteristic  cannot,  therefore,  be  considered  absolutely 
apprecial)le,  as  much  depends  on  the  race  to  which  a  cowmay  belong.  It  is  indicative 
of  milk  only,  because  it  is  a  remarkable  jjoint  in  those  races  whicih  have  produced 
milk  C!)ws.  Thus  a  characteristic  of  race  has  been  mistaken  for  a  sign  of  jjarticular 
qualities." 

•'  If,  then,  we  should  regard  the  escutcheon,  as  well  as  a  fine  heaa,  one 
of  the  characteristics  common  in  the  Short-llorn,  it  is  not  necessary  to 
consider  it  as  an  indication  of  any  pailicularly  developed  quality  Although 
probably  the  best  milkers  would  have  this  sign,  yet  It  might  be  regarded 
as  a  latent  sign  of  milking  qualities  which  had  been  bred  <iut  by  disuse. 
The  only  fair  way  to  judge  of  the  value  of  the  escutcheon  in  determining 
milking  qualities,  is  to  consider  its  influence  in  the  different  breeds  sepa- 
rately, not  comparing  one  breed  with  another.  In  judging  grade  cows, 
characteristics  and  blood  must  have  a  certain  influence  on  the  judgment. 
The  general  type  of  the  animal  must  be  considered. 

"  In  the  Ayrshire  cow,  we  must  regard  the  escutcheon,  not  as  a  special 
characteristic  of  the  breed,  but  as  one  of  the  signs  denoting  quality. 

"If  the  time  should  come  when  it  has  become  so  laniversal  a  sign  of 
quality  as  to  be  considered  a  characteristic  of  the  breed,  then  we  shall  have 
approached  much  nearer  perfection  than  at  present. 

"Admitting  that  the  escutcheon  theory  is  a  failure,  or  at  least  that  it  has 
failed  as  a  test-inaik  of  milk,  have  we  any  other  mark  or  series  of  marks 
that  have  invariably  given  better  results  ? 

"  Magne  says,  that  iu  Flanders,  a  cow  is  considered  a  good  milker,  '  es- 
pecially when  towards  the  middle  of  the  spine  the  apophyses  (or  projec- 
tions) arc  separated  or  scattered  so  as  to  leave  a  space  between  of  about 
two  finger-breadths,'  for  the  reason  that,  when  the  spine  is  thus  formed, 
the  haunches  are  better  spread,  and  the  thighs  and  croup  larger.  The 
other  members  of  the  body  arc  also  better  developed,  the  basin  is  ampler, 
and  the  organs  placed  in  this  cavity,  as  well  as  the  udder,  are  more  volum- 
inous. 

"  Now,  would  our  dairymen  consider  this  a  more  certain  indication  of 
milk,  than  a  good  escutcheon  ? 

"  Without  regarding  the  escutcheon  as  an  infallible  sign  of  quality  and 


Objections  to  the  System.  35 

quantity  of  milk,  I  believe  it  to  be  one  of  the  best  indications  of  milk,  that 
nature  has  provided  ;  but  in  the  use  of  this  system,  we  must  consider : — 

1.  The  breed. 

2.  The  age. 

3.  The  feed. 

4.  The  treatment  (present  and  past.) 

5.  The  health. 

"A  goDd,  not  to  sa}"-  a  thorough,  understanding  of  the  Guenon  system, 
cannot  be  obtained  by  casual  observation,  but  only  by  the  most  painstak- 
ing examination  of  many  animals,  extending  over  a  long  period  of  time." 

Objections  to  the  System  and  to  the  Report  of  the  Commission. 

M.  Guenon  in  his  Treatise  on  Milk  Cows,  does  not  give  any  positive 
reasons  why  the  escutcheon  is  indicative  of  the  jdeld.  He  rested  content 
with  the  fact,  that  he  had  proved  it  so  before  many  learned  men,  and  risked 
his  reputation  upon  publishing  the  facts.  The  system  as  far  as  we  have 
been  able  to  trace  it,  has  always  been  verified  by  those  who  have  thoroughly 
studied  it,  and  tested  it  by  extended  practice  according  to  the  rules  of  Gue- 
non. The  principal  cavilers  against  it,  either  admit  they  have  not  con- 
stantly pursued  it,  or  show  by  their  writings  their  lack  of  sufficient  knowl- 
edge of  it.  The  report  of  the  Pennsylvania  commission  has  incited  several 
to  write  against  the  system.  The  principal  paper  produced  was  one  read 
before  a  meeting  of  the  State  Board  of  Agriculture,  by  Eastburn  Reeder, 
and  which  he  had  reprinted  in  several  papers.  Of  this  essay,  it  is  suffi- 
cient to  say,  he  showed  he  had  not  studied  nor  practiced  the  system  thor- 
oughly, and  because  he  could  not  understand  it  and  got  befogged,  he 
quoted  a  large  mass  of  scientific  matter  to  show  the  system  could  not  be 
true.  These  attempts  at  argument  are  so  quietly,  but  completely,  set  aside 
in  the  essay  of  Prof.  D.  E.  Salmon,  D.  Y.  M.,  on  Contested  Dairy  Ques- 
tions, quoted  below,  that  we  shall  not  discuss  them  further.  For  we  can- 
not any  more  tell  absolutely  and  positively  why  the  escutcheon  reveals 
what  it  does,  than  we  can  tell  why  a  black  cow  eating  green  grass,  converts 
red  blood  into  white  milk,  than  we  can  tell  why  the  green  grass  grows.  In 
both  questions  at  issue,  we  have  certain  facts  and  theories  to  guide  our 
reason  and  judgment  about  them,  but  we  know  nothing  positive.,  and  because 
it  is  so,  Mr.  Reeder  and  Mr.  Hardin  won't  believe  it  is  so  or  can  be  so. 

In  addition  to  what  Mons.  Magne,  the  eminent  French  veterinarian, 
one  of  the  most  celebrated  medical  professors  in  France  has  written.  Pro- 
fessor Arnold,  of  Rochester  says,  when  indorsing  what  Magne  writes  : 

"  The  size  of  the  escutcheon  is  regarded  as  the  measure  of  the  quantity 
of  blood  supplied  to  the  milk-producing  vessels,  and  are  evidence  of  their 
capability  of  elaborating  milk.  In  the  same  way,  the  veins  take  up  the 
blood,  and  carry  it  back  in  the  milk  veins  which  pass  through  the  bag  and 
along  the  belly,  and  enter  the  body  through  one  or  more  holes,  on  their 
way  to  the  heart.  The  size  of  these  milk  veins,  and  the  holes  where  they 
enter  the  body,  vary  with  the  escutcheon,  and  like  it,  give  evidence  of  the 
quantity  of  venous  blood  passing  away,  from  and  through  the  udder,  and 
they  have  the  same  significance  with  reference  to  quantity,  as  the  supply 
of  arterial  blood  and  the  size  of  the  escutcheon." 


36  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

Mr.  Reeder  also  quotes  the  weights  of  cattle  given  by  Guenon,  and  tri- 
umphantly exclaims,  whoever  saw  such  small  cows  in  this  country  ?  Gue- 
non distinctly  quotes  the  weights,  as  net  dead  weight,  or  the  animal  de- 
prived of  its  head  and  horns,  its  hide,  entrails,  and  feet,  and  gives  the  ex- 
cellent reason  for  it,  when  he  says :  "  If  I  had  made  the  calculations  for 
the  animal  on  the  hoof,  the  figures  given  by  me  would  present  a  great  dif- 
ference, which  would  increase  according  to  the  amount  of  fat,  sometimes 
to  double  the  weight."  Unfortunately,  Mr.  Reeder  did  not  know  enough 
of  Guenon's  facts  to  be  aware  of  this  clear  statement,  and  supposed  the 
weights  were  live  weight. 

Again,  he  says  the  commission  did  not  examine  the  stock  correctly. 
He  would  have  looked  at  an  animal,  decided  what  escutcheon  it  had,  or 
"  to  which  class  and  order  she  belongs,  and  then  append  the  figures  of 
Guenon  as  the  result.  Any  other  mode  of  proceeding  is  not  testing  the 
Guenon  system."  Here  again  his  lack  of  knowledge  of  the  system  is 
shown ;  it  would  be  exceedingly  unjust  to  the  reputation  of  Guenon,  as  he 
distinctly  declares  the  size,  the  age,  the  breed,  the  treatment,  the  season, 
the  period  of  gestation,  &c.,  shall  be  fully  considered.  It  is  the  judgment 
of  just  such  men  passed  upon  the  system,  which  have  tended  to  throw  any 
doubt  upon  the  merit  of  Guenon's  assertions.  What  would  be  thought  of 
the  judgment  of  such  a  person,  if  told  by  a  physician  to  administer  three 
things  to  a  patient,  and  he  gave  but  one,  and  the  patient  died,  and  he  ex- 
cused himself  by  saying,  "  you  told  me  to  give  him  medicine,  and  I  gave  it." 

Then  Mr.  Reeder  denies  the  value  of  the  system  for  pointing  out  the 
best  feeders.  The  cow  which  gives  the  most  butter,  and  which  this  sys- 
tem will  readily  point  out,  will  fatten  the  most  rapidly  when  dried  ofl" ;  for 
the  butyraceous  particles,  which  go  to  make  the  butter,  will  be  diverted 
from  the  milk  and  turn  to  fat  on  the  animal. 

Mr.  Reeder  objects  to  the  report  of  the  commission,  that  they  "in  some 
cases  failed  to  classify  cows,"  and  "made  incorrect  classifications,"  and 
"in  some  cases  gave  different  results  from  Guenon,"  and  lastly  "the  terms 
employed  to  denote  quantity,  quality,  and  duration,  are  too  vague,  indefi- 
nite, and  unsatisfactory."  In  all  these  objections,  Mr.  R.,  it  will  be  readily 
seen  by  any  practicer  of  the  sj^stem,  shows  his  utter  ignorance  of  the  mode 
of  applying  it. 

Guenon  says  it  is  sometimes  impossible  to  properly  classify  an  animal, 
owing  to  the  effects  of  a  cross,  or  some  freak  of  nature.  In  such  cases 
they  may  be  judged  according  to  the  escutcheon  it  the  nearest  resembles. 
This  the  commission  did,  but  of  course  could  not  classify  them. 

His  judgment  as  to  "incorrect  classificat'ons"  we  must  pass  by  as  of  no 
account,  bo  not  being  any  more  capable  of  that  than  the  commission. 

The  same  may  be  said  of  "giving  different  results  from  Guenon."  That 
is  entirely  a  matter  of  judgment.  Guenon  saj's,  judge  of  the  cow  by  vari- 
ous things  and  then  the  result  will  approximate  the  amount  stated  to  each 
escutcheon.     Mr.  Reeder  says  the  amount  set  down  to  each  escutcheon  is 


Objections  to  Ripori  op  Commissioners.  37 

itflexible.  We  prefer  to  follow  the  skill  of  Guenon  and  not  the  ignorance 
of  Reeder,  as  it  was  Guenon  we  were  appointed  to  test. 

Finally,  he  objects  to  the  terras  employed  to  denote  the  significance  of 
the  escutcheon.  The  great  difl3culty  of  the  commission  was  to  find  herds 
of  which  an  accurate  test  of  each  animal  had  been  made  and  kept.  We 
believe  not  one  farmer  in  one  hundred  thousand  has  such  a  record.  Yet 
the  commission  are  expected  by  such  "infallible"  advocates  as  Mr.  R.  to 
tell  the  exact  character  of  each  cow,  and  that  record  is  to  be  set  down 
alongside  of  the  inaccurate  record  of  the  owner ;  and  if  they  vary  at  all, 
the  commission  are  the  ones  at  fault.  The  very  terms  Mr.  R.  objects  to 
were  employed  by  us  by  special  agreement  with  the  owners,  because  they 
hesitated  to  say  how  many  quarts  or  pounds  each  of  their  cows  gave.  But 
tvhere  there  were  such  careful  farmers  as  W.  M.  Large,  M,  Eastburn,  J. 
Pyle,  and  M.  Conard,  who  gave  quarts,  and  the  commission  gave  quarts, 
we  would  invite  attention  to  the  comparative  reports  as  the  best  answer. 
And  even  in  Mr.  R.'s  own  case  we  ask  comparison,  for  the  reason  why  the 
commission  are  on  most  of  his  cows  one  or  two  quarts  higher  is  easily  ac- 
counted for,  because  we  did  not  learn  until  after  the  examination  that  he 
was  generally  ranked  by  his  neighbors  a  poor  feeder,  which  would  cer- 
tainly make  the  difference.  In  the  cases  of  such  fine  herds  as  those  of  S. 
J.  Sharpless,  Thomas  M.  Harvey,  Thomas  Gawthrop,  and  H.  Preston,  &c., 
the  accounts  were  highly  satisfactory  to  their  owners  and  confirmed  them 
in  the  merits  of  the  s^'stem.  For  the  same  reasons  we  object  to  his  test 
of  "the  system  in  other  herds  "  as  any  proof  of  the  merits  of  Guenon,  foi 
it  was  his  interpretation  of  the  escutcheons  that  is  given,  and  it  would  be 
very  unfair  to  judge  Guenon  as  interpreted  by  one  who  is  not  an  expert. 

Mr.  Hardin  has  written  much  against  the  system,  but  containing  very 
little  argument,  and  no  valid  objection.  We  will  endeavor  to  sift  out  of 
the  mass,  any  points  made  : 

He  thought  there  should  be  one  "  non-believer  "  on  the  commission,  so 
as  to  "  make  a  fair  and  disinterested  report."  What  possible  use  he  may 
have  been  is  a  mystery,  except  to  cavil  at  what  perhaps  he  did  not  under- 
stand. The  commission  simply  put  down  what  they  interpreted  the  escutch- 
eons to  indicate,  and  the  owner  stated  what  he  knew  of  his  stock.  The 
two  accounts  were  brought  together  and  compared.  What  more  a  non- 
believer  could  have  done,  we  are  at  a  loss  to  conceive. 

His  process  of  examination  was  laid  down  thus :  "  To  take  down  in 
writing  before  you  see  the  cows,  the  owners'  and  milkers'  opinions  of  all 
the  cows  to  be  tested."  "  Make  the  owners  and  milkers,  out  of  hearing  of 
each  other,  tell  you  the  name  of  the  cow,  her  age,  how  much  milk  she  gives 
when  fresh,  how  much  milk  she  gives  a  year,  is  her  milk  rich  or  poor  ;  have 
you  ever  tested  the  milk  by  measure,  or  otherwise  to  determine  the  amount 
or  its  richness ;  what  breed  is  she  ?"  "  Get  a  non-believer  to  make  pencil 
sketches  of  each  escutcheon."  "  The  Governor  to  appoint  two  more  on  the 
committee  who  are  not  believers." 


38  GuENON  ON  MiLcn  Cows. 

Now,  having  laid  out  this  programme,  he  does  not  say  what  was  to  be 
done  with  it.  The  inference  was  to  b3  drawn,  we  suppose,  that  the  many- 
escutcheons  were  to  be  engraved,  and  the  public  were  to  draw  their  con- 
clusions from  them  and  the  reports  given  by  the  owners  and  milkers,  and 
see  how  Guenon  would  stand  the  test.  And  what  were  tlie  believing  or 
non-believing  commissioners  to  do  ?  Surpervise  the  taking  down  of  all 
this  ?  How,  at  once,  this  shows  Mr.  Hardin  to  know  little  or  nothing  of 
the  system  I  Like  Mr.  Reeder,  he  did  not  know  that  Guenon  assigns  many 
other  things  to  be  thought  of  to  form  a  correct  opinion !  Was  it  more 
proof  to  be  told  by  the  owner  all  that  any  one  could  know  about  the  cow, 
and  then  say  that  corresponds  with  the  escutcheon  ?  Or  did  it  put  the 
system  to  a  severer  test,  to  say  to  the  owner,  don't  tell  me  a  word,  and 
then  proceed  to  tell  him  all  about  a  cow  you  never  saw,  simply  from  ex- 
amining her  escutcheon  ?  In  one  case,  you  are  assisted  to  define  the  escutch- 
eon by  the  knowledge  given  you.  In  the  other  case,  you  define  the  cow's 
character  by  only  the  knowledge  you  can  get  from  the  escutcheon.  No 
better  proof  can  be  given  of  Mr.  Hardin's  lack  of  practical  knowledge 
of  the  system. 

Another  objection  he  makes,  and  repeats  several  times,  as  being  a  very 
strong  one  with  him,  is,  why  did  not  Guenon,  and  why  do  not  the  commis- 
sioners, go  to  work  and  buy  up  all  the  best  cows  and  sell  them  at  a  profit, 
and  thus  get  very  rich.  His  cry  is,  why  don't  they  make  plenty  of  money 
out  of  it,  if  it  is  so  valuable  ?  Simply,  because  neither  of  them  are  in  that 
business,  or  care  to  be.  But  Mr.  Harvey,  a  manager  of  the  Delaware 
county  almshouse,  in  one  year  from  taking  this  position,  changed  the 
cows  there,  and  increased  the  yield  twofold  from  the  same  number  of  cows, 
and  has  bought  and  sold  all  the  steers  and  cows  on  his  large  farm  for  many 
years  solely  by  this  sj^stem,  and  has  grown  wealthy. 

He  says  in  another  article  "  feeling  the  modesty  that  naturally  attaches 
itself  to  benighted  ignorance,"  he  "  started  out  in  the  city  in  search  of  some 
one  who  was  learned  on  these  subjects."  He  found  "a  professor  in  our 
medical  institute,"  "  one  of  our  most  learned  physicians,"  and  they  pro- 
ceed together  to  canvass  Professors  Magne  and  Arnold's  theories  and  facts 
about  the  formation  of  the  escutcheon.  The  result  of  two  such  wise  heads 
(or  of  "  benighted  ignorance  ')  coming  together,  was  that  neither  of  them 
ever  heard  of  Professor  Magne,  and  that  his  dictum  was  "opposed  to  all 
the  teachings  of  physiology.  '  The  learned  professor  knowing  as  much 
about  a  cow  as  he  did  of  physiology.  And  it  is  such  stuff  as  this  which 
forms  the  arguments  of  Mr.  Hardin.  Professor  Salmon  in  his  essay  on 
Contested  Dairy  Questions  effectually  settles  these  "  learned  "  men. 

We  have  devoted  enough  space  to  a  writer,  who  finds  it  so  easy  to  tear 
down,  but  is  never  able  to  build  up,  a  doubting  Thomas,  whose  only  mode 
of  judging  a  cow,  he  says  is  a  crumple  horn,  a  lai'ge  udder,  and  to  test 
the  milk  every  Monday  for  one  year.  What  an  amount  of  money  the 
farmers  of  America  would  lose  annually  if  they  followed  his  rules,  and 
what  an  amount  .they  would  save  by  following  Guenon's  rules  ! 


Prof.  Salmon's  Review  of  Objections.  30 

The  following  valublo  essay  is  from  the  Country  Gentleman  of  August 
7,1879: 

Coutasted  Dairy  Questions. 

By  D.  E.  Salmon,  D.  V.  M. 

Several  of  our  prominent  dairy  writers  have  been  lately  discussing  the 
more  complicated  questions  of  their  department  in  a  very  energetic  and 
decided,  if  not  in  a  scrupulously  exact  minner.  Now,  if  tliese  questions 
are  worth  the  time  and  space  necessary  for  tlieir  presentation  at  length, 
they  are  certainly  of  suflicicnt  importance  to  receive  candid  and  perfectly 
truthful  treatment;  and,  though  these  writers  may  not  have  intended  to 
give  wrong  impressions,  their  teachings  can  hardly  be  considered,  in  sev- 
eral respects,  as  representing  the  present  condition  of  knowledge  on  these 
points. 

Magne's  Theory  of  the  Escutcheon. — In  Mr.  Eastburn  Reeder's  essay 
on  the  escutcheon — whicli  is  a  valuable  paper,  though  marred  in  the  above 
respects — there  is  an  attempt  at  scientific  argument  in  order  to  ridicule 
the  accepte:!  value  of  the  millc-mirror ;  and  the  assumed  facts  on  which 
this  argument  is  based,  a^e  presented  in  such  a  positive  manner  that  they 
will  probably  be  accepted,  without  further  investigation,  by  the  majority. 
of  readers  unless  contested  at  once.  The  writer  has  hesitated  to  do  this 
in  the  hope  that  it  would  be  done  by  some  one  else  ;  but  the  truth  is  of 
too  much  consequence  to  allow  the  matter  to  pass  entirely  without  notice. 

The  first  point  to  which  I  will  call  attention  is  the  attempt  to  dispute 
Hague's  opinion  that  the  hair  turns  in  the  direction  in  which  the  arteries 
ramify,  and  that  the  reversed  hair  on  the  udder  and  adjacent  parts  indi- 
cates the  tarmination  of  the  arteries  which  supply  the  udder  with  blood. 
When  these  arteries  are  large,  he  holds,  they  extend  through  the  udder 
upward  and  onward,  ramifying  on  the  skin  beyond  the  udder,  and  giving 
the  hair  the  peculiar  appearance  which  distinguishes  it  from  the  rest  of  the 
surface.  If  these  arteries  are  very  small,  they  are  not  likely  to  extend 
much  beyond  the  udder,  and,  hence,  form  a  small  escutcheon ;  consequently, 
a  small  escutcheon  indicates  a  feeble  supply  of  blood,  and  little  material  to 
make  milk  of. 

Now  how  is  this  combatted  ?  The  first  argument  is  that  "  when  Mr. 
Hardin  showed  this  paragraph  to  one  of  the  most  learned  medical  profes- 
sors at  Louisville,  Kentucky,  he  at  once  wanted  to  know  who  this  Magne 
was,  and  declared  his  name  unknown  in  the  annals  of  medical  science." 
What  are  we  to  think  of  such  a  statement  as  that  ?  Magne — member  of 
the  French  Academy  of  Medicine,  formerly  director  of  the  Alfort  Veteri- 
nary School  and  professor  of  Lyons — unknown  in  the  annals  of  medicine  1 

We  are  then  asked  if  the  arteries  are  not  the  same  in  all  cows,  and  are 
told  that  we  might  as  well  expect  more  bones  or  muscles  as  more  arteries. 
If  Mr.  Reeder  will  turn  to  Chauveau's  Anatorrj^ — one  of  the  best  authori- 
ties in  the  world — he  will  find,  in  general  remaiks  on  arteries,  the  follow- 
ing statement,  which  I  translate,  not  having  the  English  edition  :  "Arter- 
ies very  ofcen  present  variations  in  their  deposition,  which  the  surgeon 
should  keep  in  mind.  These  variations  ordinarily  concern  the  number, 
the  point  of  origin,  and  the  volume  of  the  vessels."  And  if  he  will  go 
through  the  Lst  of  arteries,  he  will  find  examples  given  of  each  of  these 
variations. 

Again,  he  ask^,  "how  is  it  that  the  ramification  of  the  arterial  circula- 
tion causes  the  hair  to  grow  in  one  direction  on  one  part  of  the  cow's  body, 
and  in  the  opposite  on  other  parts  ?  "  Not  a  very  difficult  question,  if  we 
admit  that  arteries  have  such  an  effect,  for  they  certainly  do  not  all  ramify 
in  the  same  direction. 


40  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

In  a  revised  edition  of  the  essay,  subsequently  published,  some  import- 
ant points  were  added.  Here  we  arc  told  that  ''  the  arteries  supplying 
the  udder  with  blood  are  called  the  mammary  arteries,  and  their  ramifica- 
tion does  not  extend  beyond  the  outer  surface  of  the  udder.  Further  down 
the  aorta.,  or  main  artery,  another  pair  of  arteries  branches  off,  called  the 
femoral  arttries.  These  supply  the  muscles  of  the  thigh,  or  what  we  know 
as  the  rounds  of  beef,  with  blood,  and  ramify  upon  the  portion  of  the  es- 
cutcheon lying  between  them.  Still  further  down,  another  pair  of  arteries, 
called  the  gluteal  arteries,  leave  the  aorta,  and  are  distributed  through 
the  pelvic  region,  and  ramify  upon  the  extreme  upper  portion  of  the  es- 
cutcheon. Here  we  have  at  least  three  distinct  systems  of  arteries  rami- 
fying upon  the  escutcheon,  and  two  of  them  most  certainly  have  no  con- 
nection with  the  milk  secretion  whatever." 

Without  attempting  to  point  out  all  the  errors  of  this  description,  we 
will  once  more  refer  to  Chauveau  to  settle  the  more  important  points. 
The  reader  will  find  in  that  work  that  the  femoral  arteries  have  a  branch 
called  the  pre-pubic,  which  in  turn  has  a  In-anch  called  the  external  pudic, 
from  which  the  mammary  artery  branches.  It  will  also  be  found  that  the 
mammary  artery  ''  sends  several  divisions  to  the  tissue  of  the  udder,  and 
is  prolonged  between  the  thighs  by  a  perineal  branch,  which  terminates  in 
the  inferior  commissure  of  the  vulva,  after  having  furnished  glandular  and 
cutaneous  divisions."  Turning  to  the  description  of  the  gluteal  arteries, 
we  find  that  they  ramify  in  I  he  gluteal  muscles,  which  are  at  a  consid- 
erable distance  from  the  perineum,  and  that  nothing  is  said  of  their  going 
to  the  last  named  part. 

Here,  then,  is  complete  and  positive  refutation  of  these  arguments — not 
by  meie  statements  of  my  own,  but  by  the  words  of  a  standard  work,  of 
world-wide  reputation,  on  the  anatomy  of  these  animals.  Magne's  facts 
are  correct,  then,  whether  his  inferences  are  or  not.  The  same  artery  that 
supplies  the  udder  with  blood  supplies  the  skin  on  which  the  escutcheon  is 
formed ;  and,  more  than  this,  the  artery  ramifies  in  the  direction  in  which 
the  hair  of  the  escutcheon  grows.  Is  there  any  connection  between  the 
two  for  all  that  ?  Who  knows  ?  A  point  or  two  to  show  that  such  a  con- 
nection IS  not  beyond  the  possible  may  still  be  in  place. 

Erasmus  Wilson,  who  has  made  a  specialty  of  the  skin  and  its  diseases, 
shows  that  the  direction  of  the  hairs  on  the  anterior  surface  of  the  human 
body  iv,  commencing  at  a  point  near  the  arm-pit,  downwards  and  slightly 
inwards  towards  the  umbilicus,  and  that  below  this  point  the  direction  is 
upwards  and  inwards  ;  so  that  the  umbilicus  '•  is  the  center  of  convergence 
of  four  streams,"  as  he  expresses  it. 

Now  this  disposition,  complicated  though  it  is,  certainly  resembles  that 
of  the  arteries — the  branches  from  the  axillary  artery  passing  downwards 
and  inwards,  while  the  epigastric  arteries  branch  from  the  femorals  near 
the  groin,  and  have  a  direction  upwards  and  inwards.  On  the  neck,  the 
direction  of  the  hair  is  upwards  and  backwards ;  in  front  of  the  ear,  it  is 
downwards  and  forwards ;  behind  the  ear,  it  is  backwards — in  each  case 
following  the  arterial  ramifications.  In  addition,  Tisserant  and  others  in 
France,  who  stand  high  as  authorities,  admit  that  the  escutcheon  continues 
to  increase  in  relative  surface  till  the  second  or  third  milking — that  is, 
till  the  development  of  the  udder,  and,  consequently,  of  the  vessels  sup- 
plying it  have  reached  their  highest  point. 

In  some  cases,  it  must  be  confessed,  the  correspondence  in  question  ap- 
parently does  not  exist,  but  rather  the  opposite  ;  and  as  the  mammary  ar- 
tery has  substantially  the  same  distribution  with  horses  as  with  cattle,  we 


Objections  to  the  System.  41 

cannot  see  why  the  former  should  not  be  as  plainl}'  marked  as  the  latter, 
if  the  direction  of  the  hair  depends  on  the  direction  of  the  arteries. 

But,  it  ma>^  be  asked,  in  what  possible  manner  could  the  one  condition 
influence  the  other  ?  It  must  be  remembered  that  physiology  is  still  a  grow- 
ing science,  and  that  there  are  many  things  yet  to  learn,  so  that  it  is  still 
pardonable  to  confess  ignorance.  We  know,  however,  tliat  the  cavity  in 
the  skin  surrounding  the  hair  (hair  follicle)  is  set  in  an  oblique  direction, 
as  well  as  the  hair  that  emerges  from  it ;  the  papilla  at  the  bottom  of  this 
cavity  must  also  be  inclined,  and  it  is  this  that,  in  all  probability,  decides 
the  direction  of  the  hair,  as  the  growth  of  this  takes  place  by  additions  of 
cells  from  the  surface  of  the  papilla.  Now,  each  papilla,  or  elevation,  has 
a  vascular  loop,  or,  as  some  say,  a  minute  artery  and  vein,  and  one  can 
easily  imagine  how  the  direction  of  this  minute  artery  might  influence  the 
direction  of  the  papillary  summit,  and,  consequently,  of  the  hair  that  grows 
from  it. 

I  do  not  say  that  this  is  the  proper  explanation,  but  I  suggest  it  as  one 
way  in  which  the  correspondence  might  be  accounted  for.  I  do  say,  how- 
ever, that  the  evidence  brought  to  bear  on  this  point  by  Mr.  Reeder  can 
have  no  influence  in  deciding  the  question,  for  the  reason  I  have  given. 

Dr.  Henry  Stewart,  the  noted  scientific  and  practical  farmer  and  writer, 
said  lately  ;  "  I  have  for  some  time  past  been  studying  the  nature  of  the 
escutcheon  physiogically  and  anatomically."  And  he  has  "  recently  dis- 
covered a  still  more  satisfactory  connection  between  the  milking  capacity 
of  a  cow  and  the  development  of  the  escutcheon." 

"  The  milk-vein  is  an  important  mark  of  the  deep-milking  cow.  But  it 
is  not  the  veins,  but  the  arteries,  which  supply  blood  to  the  system,  either 
for  the  production  of  tissue  or  the  secretion  of  the  milk.  And  yet  the  veins 
are  important  because  they  bear  a  direct  relation  to  the  arteries,  being  the 
return  channels  for  the  blood  after  it  has  fulfilled  its  functions  ;  and  so  the 
larger  supply  of  blood  conveyed  by  the  arteries  requiring  a  vein  of  large 
capacity  to  return  it,  this  vein  is  an  ultimate  indication  of  the  vigor  of  the 
circulation  of  the  lacteal  organs.  The  main  artery  which  supplies  these 
organs  is  the  subcutaneous  abdominal  [what  Mr.  S.  says  is  commonly  called 
the  milk-vein.]  This  important  artery  supplies  a  large  part  of  the  posterior 
portion  of  the  system,  furnishing  blood  to  the  genital  organs  and  the  skin 
covering  these  and  the  adjacent  parts.  The  subcutaneous^bdominal  artery 
is  one  of  the  two  branches  of  the  external  pudic  artery  in  the  female,  the 
other  being  the  mammary  artery.  This  last  is  very  voluminous  and  dis- 
tributes several  main  branches  to  the  mammary  glands  and  tissue,  and  also 
by  a  prolongation  between  the  thighs,  supplies  the  inferior  commissure  of 
the  vulva  and  gives  off  man^^  smaller  branches,  which  spread  into  a  net- 
work among  the  glandular  tissue  and  the  cutaneous  structure.  Here  is  the 
close  connection,  then,  between  the  skin  of  the  posterior  part  of  the  cow, 
from  the  lower  point  of  the  vulva  down  between  the  thighs  and  around  the 
udder,  and  the  udder  itself.  The  same  artery  supplies  all  this  portion  of 
the  skin,  furnishes  the  subaceous  glands  and  the  hair  follicles,  and  the  whole 
cutaneous  structure,  and  the  hair  also  with  blood,  and  also  provides  for  the 
demands  of  ihe  milk-secreting  organs.  A  vigorous  circulation  through  a 
voluminous  arterial  system  *  *  *  *  gives  a  relatively  vigorous  milk 
secretion,  and,  as  well,  a  growth  of  hair,  which  curls  and  forms  the  well- 
known  peculiar  structure  of  the  escutcheon." 


42  GuENON  ON  MiLCH  Cows. 

C.  L.  SHARPLESS  ON  THE  ESCUTCHEON. 


We  extract  from  our  book  on  "The  Jersey,  Guernse}',  and  AHerney 
Cow,"  some  remarks  on  the  escutcheon,  by  Charles  L.  Sharpless,  of  Phila- 
delphia. We  consider  him  one  of  the  best  judges,  a  most  intelligent 
breeder,  and  he  has  paid  the  highest  price  ever  given  for  a  Jersey  cow  in 
this  country.  The  portraits  of  Duchess,  Rosa,  Black  Bess,  Tiberia,  and 
the  bull,  Comet  of  M.,  bear  out  our  assertion. 

"  There  is  no  point  in  judging  a  cow  so  little  understood  as  the  escutch- 
eon. The  conclusion  of  almost  every  one  is,  that  her  escutcheon  is  good, 
if  there  be  a  broad  band  of  uprunning  hair  from  the  udder  to  the  vulva, 
and  around  it — see  Fig.  1.  These  cows,  with  the  broad  vertical  escutch- 
eon, are  nearly  alwaj's  parallel  cows;  that  Is,  with  bodies  long,  but  not 
large,  and  with  the  under  line  parallel  with  the  back.  Their  thighs  are 
thin,  and  the  thigh  escutcheon  shows  on  the  inside  of  the  thigh,  rather 
than  on  its  rear. 

"  Next  comes  the  wedge-shaped  cow,  with  the  body  shorter,  but  very 
large,  deep  in  the  flank,  and  very  capacious.  This  form  does  not  usually 
exhibit  the  broad  vertical  escutcheon,  running  up  to  the  vulva,  but  with 
a  broader  tliigh  may  exhibit  a  thigh  escutcheon,  which  is  preferable  to  the 
other,  thus — see  Fig.  2. 

"  In  both  vertical  and  thigh  mirrors,  where  the  hair  runs  down,  intrud- 
ing on  the  udder,  (as  low  as  above  the  dotted  lines,)  as  in  Figs.  3  and  4,  it 
damages  the  escutcheon.  If  you  find  a  cow  with  the  hair  all  running  down, 
and  between  the  thighs — that  is,  with  no  up-running  hair — stamp  her  as  a 
cipher  for  milk-yielding., 

"  The  artist  has  made  the  udders  to  Figs.  1,  2,  3,  4  the  same  size,  while 
in  reality  they  will  vary  according  to  the  escutcheon. 

"  There  are  times  when  the  udder  of  a  cow,  with  an  escutcheon  like  Fig. 
4,  will  be  enlarged  by  non-milking,  for  the  purpose  of  deception.  It  is 
always  safer  to  judge  by  the  escutcheon,  rather  than  by  the  large  size  of 
the  udder. 

"  The  escutcheons  of  the  best  cows — those  yielding  the  most  and  con- 
tinuing the  longest — will  be  found  to  be  those  which  conform  to  Fig.  2. 
I  Mr.  fe.  alludes  to  the  selvage :  one  of  the  best,  and  common  among  the 
best  cows.     H.] 

"  The  vertical  escutcheon  of  Fig.  1,  would  not  injure  it;  but  if  that  or- 
namental feature  has  to  be  at  the  expense  of  the  thigh  escutcheon.  Fig.  2 
is  best  as  it  is. 

"  Wlienever  an  escutcheon  is  accompanied  by  a  curl  on  each  hind-quar- 
ter of  the  udder,  it  indicates  a  yield  of  the  highest  order.         *         *         * 

"  So  far  we  have  noticed  only  the  rear  escutcheon,  or  that  which  rep- 
resents the  two  hind-quarters  of  the  udder.  The  two  front-quarters  are 
just  as  important,  and  should  be  capacious,  and  run  well  forward  under 
the  body — see  A.  If  the  udder,  in  front,  be  concave,  or  cut  up  as  in  B, 
indicating  small  capacity,  it  represents  reduced  yield. 

This  front  or  level  escutcheon  is  distinctly  marked  in  the  young  heifer 
or  bull,  and  can  be  seen  by  laying  the  animal  on  its  back.  The  udder 
hair  under  the  body  all  runs  backward,  commencing  at  the  forward  line 
of  the  cscutclieon — see  dotted  lines  in  Figs.  (>,  7,  8.  Tiiis  dividing  line  is 
very  perceptible,  from  the  fact  that  the  hair  in  front  of  it  all  runs  forward 
towards  the  head  of  the  animal,  while  the  escutcheon,  or  udder  hair,  all 
runs  backward  over  the  forward  quarters  of  the  udder,  around  and  beyond 


Fig.  1. 


Fig.  2, 


Fig.  3. 


Fig.  4. 


Fig.  6. 


IS  in. 


O  4 "'.  c 

3  in. 

o  ^^-  c 

LOTTIE  STARR -10  mos.  old. 
Fig.  7. 


O  4  in.  O 

2  in. 

O  -si"-  o 

SYLVA-10  mos.  old 
Fig,  8. 


o 


COLUMBUS.— 10  mos.  old. 


Sharpless  on  Escutcheons. 


43 


the  teats,  and  ceases  at  the  markings  of  the  rear  escutcheon,  on  and  be- 
tween the  thighs. 

The  breadth  and  extent  forward  of  this  front  escutcheon,  indicates  the 
capacity  in  the  mature  animal,  of  the  front  quarters  of  her  udder.  In 
some  cases  this  front  escutcheon  will  be  found  of  twice  the  extent  that  it 
is  in  others,  and  is  evidence  of  that  much  more  yield.     The  dimensions 


on  Figs.  6,  7,  8,  are  actual  measurements — the  first  two  of  heifers,  and  the 
last  of  a  bull.  If  Fig.  7  represents  four  quarts  as  the  yield  per  day  of  the 
front  quarters.  Fig.  6  will  represent  eight,  thus,  if  the  rear  yield  is  the 
same,  say  four  quarts  in  each  cow,  the  total  yield  of  Fig.  6  will  be  twelve 
quarts,  while  that  of  Fig.  7  is  but  eight.  This  examination  enables  one 
to  see  the  size  of  the  teats  and  their  distance  apart,  and  to  test  the  loose- 
ness and  softness  of  the  udder  skin.  It  is  marked  precisely  the  same  in 
bulls,  see  Fig.  8,  and  can  be  easily  examined  at  any  age  between  one  and 
ten  months. 

"  Udders  of  all  shapes  hold  milk,  and  some  homely  ones  hold  a  large 
quantity.  B,  C,  D,  and  E,  at  a  glance  explain  their  deficiencies,  both  of 
shape,  lack  of  capacity,  and  bad  style  of  teats.  In  udder  A,  we  have  the 
perfect  shape.     *     *     * 

"  Many  think  that  the  escutcheon  of  the  bull  is  of  but  little  moment,  so 
that  he  is  a  good-looker.  So  far  is  this  from  being  the  case,  that  a  bull, 
with  a  mirror  like  Fig.  4,  or  worse,  will  stamp  his  escutcheon  on,  and  to 
that  extent  damage  his  daughters,  out  of  cows  with  escutcheons  as  choice 
as  Fig.  2.  In  this  way  the  daughters  of  some  of  the  best  cows  come  very 
ordinary,  while,  if  you  use  a  bull  marked  like  Fig.  2,  he  will  make  poor 
escutcheons  better,  and  will  improve  the  best.  His  injury  or  benefit  will 
be  doubled,  according  to  the  escutcheon  markings  under  his  body  in  front 
of  his  scrotum.  Hence  the  importance  of  the  dam  of  a  bull  being  unex- 
ceptionable in  her  udder  and  escutcheon.  Her  qualities,  inherited  by  her 
son,  will  be  transmitted  to  his  daughters. 

[Mr.  Sharpless'  bull  Comet  of  M.  is  one  of  the  finest  Jersey  bulls  we 
ever  saw,  and  his  escutcheon  is  unexceptionable,  being  a  perfect  curveline, 
the  one  most  commonly  found  on  bulls.] 

"  While  careful  as  to  escutcheons,  we  must  not  neglect  the  other  essential 
features  of  a  good  cow — the  buckskin  hide,  the  rich-colored  skin,  and  the 
fine  bone.  Let  the  hair  be  soft  and  thickly  set,  and  let  the  skin  be  mellow. 
This  latter  quality  is  easily  determined  by  grasping  between  the  thumb 
and  forefinger  the  skin  at  the  rear  of  the  ribs,  or  the  double  thickness  at 
the  base  of  the  flank  that  joins  the  stifle  joint  to  the  body,  or  that  on  the 


44  GuBNON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

inside  of  the  rump-bone  at  the  setting-on  of  the  tail.  Let  the  teats  be 
well  apart ;  let  them  yield  a  full  and  free  stream,  and  be  large  enough  to 
fill  the  hand  without  the  necessity  in  milking  of  pulling  them  between  the 
thumb  and  forefingers.  And  let  us  ever  keep  in  mind  that  the  large  yi elder 
must  be  well  fed." 

Those  who  condemn  Jersey  cows  as  small  yielders  of  milk  and  butter, 
should  listen  to  the  story  of ''  Rosa  "  as  told  by  her  owner,  C.  L.  Sharpless. 
She  is  five  years  old,  is  solid  creamy  fawn,  and,  combined  with  great  vol- 
ume and  bone,  she  is  neat  in  the  head  and  neck,  and  with  fine  legs.  Her 
dam  was  a  small  mouse-colored  cow,  and  her  sire's  dam  a  small  fawn-col- 
ored, neither  of  which  would  give  over  twelve  quarts. 

"  We  found  we  were  making  a  good  deal  of  butter,  and  as  '  Rosa '  looked 
superbly,  we  determined  to  test  her  butter  quality.  We  fed  her  per  daj'- 
twenty  pounds  of  hay,  eight  quarts  of  meal,  and  four  quarts  of  carrots. 
The  meal  was  a  mixture  of  good  wheat  bran  and  cornmeal,  in  the  propor- 
tion of  four  bushels  of  the  former  to  one  bushel  of  the  latter.  Her  yield 
the  first  day  was  sixteen  quarts,  the  second  day  fifteen  and  a  half  quarts, 
the  third  day  sixteen  quarts,  and  the  next  morning  eight  quarts-,  being  in 
all  seven  milkings,  or  half  the  week.  Her  milk  was  kept  separate ;  was 
skimmed  after  standing  thirty-six  hours,  and  made  six  and  three  fourths 
pounds  of  butter,  or  thirteen  and  a  half  pounds  for  the  week, 

"As  you  place  Rosa  and  Duchess  side  by  side  there  are  some  points  of 
agreement  and  of  difference  that  are  of  interest  to  notice.  They  are  both 
wedge-shaped,  with  large  body — Duchess  the  more  bonj',  but  Rosa  with 
the  greater  rear  volume,  (broader  hips,  &c.)  They  both  have  neat  heads 
and  necks,  and  fine  bone.  Duchess  is,  in  winter,  smoke-color,  with  bril- 
liant white,  but  not  with  black  points.  She  has  yellow  hoofs  and  skin, 
and  her  udder  is  rich  yellow.  Rosa  has  yellow  hoofs,  and  yellow  inside 
her  ears,  but  a  pale  skin  and  udder,  and  would  be  called  a  butter  cow  in- 
ferior to  Duchess,  and  yet  she  has  just  proved  herself  one  half  pound 
greater.  The  color  of  it  is  the  deepest — no  coloring  matter  being  used. 
This  upsets  the  theory  that  a  yellow  skin  is  essential  for  deep-colored 
butter.  Perhaps  a  safer  way  to  put  it  is,  that  though  a  rich  yellow  skin 
is  evidence  of  butter  quality,  3'et  equally  good  quality  may  come  from  a 
pale  skin,  provided  the  cow  has  yellow  inside  her  ears. 

"Again,  as  to  vertical  or  rear  escutcheons  both  these  cows  exhibit,  the 
broad  part  diminishes  as  it  rises,  until,  when  within  six  to  nine  inches  of  the 
vulva,  it  is  reduced  to  the  breadth  of  not  over  an  inch  wide.  Thus  they 
agree  in  their  rear  escutcheons,  and  they  agree  also  in  udders  of  great  ca- 
pacity, these  being  deep  and  broad,  and  running  well  forward  under  the 
body. 

"There  is  a  point  on  which  they  differ.  The  hair  on  Duchess  is  soft  and 
furry  as  a  mole  ;  that  of  Rosa  is  fairly  fine,  but  still  hair. 

'  So  that  in  a  word  one  can  say  soft  hair,  a  large  escutcheon,  and  a  yellow 
skin  are  desirable,  but  there  may  be  choice  cows  not  conspicuous,  for  either. 

"  To  show  how  we  sometimes  let  our  best  animals  slip,  I  will  add  that 
when  Rosa  was  a  heifer  I  was  tempted  to  part  with  her  for  what  seemed  a 
great  price — $500.  In  about  two  weeks  she  had  a  heifer  calf,  for  which 
her  owner  was  offered  $150.  When  three  years  old  she  had  a  second 
heifer,  which  he  sold  for  $180  ;  and  when  four  years  old  she  had  a  third 
heifer  calf,  which  he  sold  for  $100.  He  then  sold  his  place  and  all  his 
stock,  and  I  bought  her  at  public  sale  for  $375  for  her  beauty.  Her  pale 
skin  deceived  me  as  to  her  butter  quality,  and  her,  as  I  thought,  deficient 


Account  op  a  Good  Cow.  45 

escutcheon  misled  me  as  to  her  large  yield.     She  now,  as  a  five-year  old, 
has  her  fourth  calf,  which  is  a  bull,  and  some  two  months  old. 

"  In  giving  above  her  yield,  I  gave  also  her  feed.  Such  is  her  constitu- 
tion and  appetite  that  I  think  she  would  have  eaten  half  as  much  more, 
and  in  that  way  her  yield  might  have  been  very  much  increased.  It  was 
good  enough  as  it  was,  particularly  as  there  have  been  choice  cows  so 
forced  that,  though  the  premium  was  won,  the  cow  was  lost.  The  winter 
yield,  on  dry  feed,  of  sixteen  quarts  is  considered  equivalent  to  eighteen 
on  grass." 


46 


GUENON    ON    MiLCII    COAVS. 


DESCRIPTION  OF  THE  CLASSES  AXD  ORDERS. 

Prepared  by  W.  P.  Hazard,  Secretary  of  the  Pennsylvania  Guenon  Commission. 

In  the  following  descriptions  of  the  ten  classes,  and  their  sub-division 
into  six  orders  each,  we  give  the  quantity  as  stated,  for  a  large-sized  cow. 
Not  thinking  it  worth  while  to  enter  so  minutely  into  his  sub-divisions  of 
high,  medium,  and  low  cows.  For  instance,  to  class  one,  order  one,  he 
gives  to  the  high  cow  twenty-four  litres,  which  is  about  equal  to  our  twen- 
tj'^-four  quarts  here ;  the  litre  being  exactly  two  and  one  eighth  wine  pints. 
To  the  medium  cow  he  gives  nineteen  quarts,  and  to  the  low  cow,  fourteen 
quarts,  per  day.  The  size  of  his  high  cow  is  five  hundred  and  fifty  to  six 
hundred  and  fifty  pounds,  dressed  weight ;  the  medium,  three  hundred  and 
twenty-five  to  four  hundred  and  fifty  pounds ;  and  the  low,  one  hundred 
and  ten  to  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  pounds.  As  most  of  our  cows 
will  range  with  the  high  cows,  we  have  adopted  the  scale  suitable  to  the 
size,  only  the  reader  who  practices  the  system  must  keep  in  mind  that  the 
larger  and  more  developed  the  cow,  the  more  she  will  be  likely  to  give  than 
the  cow  of  smaller  size. 

First  Class.    The  Flanders  Cow. 

Cows  with  this  es- 
cutcheon are  the  most 
seldom  found,  except 
among  the  most  abund- 
ant milkers.  In  the 
first  order  they  give 
twenty  quarts  per  day, 
in  the  height  of  their 
flow ;  that  is  to  say, 
from  the  time  they  have 
calved  until  they  are 
pregnant  again.  Then 
they  diminish,  little  by 
"  '^'<^-'^"<^^^'^^  little,  until  their  next 
"-tW^V^^I^  calving.     It  is 


t-^-^^^rv  "^■'■^■^  calving.     It  is  best  to 
^'5  dry  them  off  from  four 
i2^>   to    six    weeks     before 
r^— v^     calving,  to  give  them  a 
needed  rest,  and  it  im- 
proves the  calf. 

Cows  of  the  first  class  have  a  soft  udder,  with  fine  hair  on  it,  rising  until 
it  blends  with  similar  hair  growing  upward  on  the  thighs,  above  the  hock, 
and  widening  on  the  thick  part  of  the  thigh, 
then  narrowing,  like  in  the  engraving,  until 
it  reaches  the  vulva,  and  being  about  two 
inches  on  each  side  of  it.  The  inner 
parts  of  the  thigh,  and  the  vertical  mirror 
are  usually  of  a  yellowish  or  nankeen 
color,  with  dark  spots  on  them,  from  which 
can  be  detached  the  dandruff.  There  are 
two  ovals  on  the  udder,  of  fine  short  hair. 
The  second  order  of  the  first  class  are 
similar  to  the  first,  but  the  escutcheon  is 
smaller ;  and  on  the  right  side  of  the  vulva  is 
a  tuft  of  descending  hair  about  two  and  one 
half  inches  long  and  one  and  one  half  inches 
broad,  and  there  is  but  one  oval  on  the 


Escutcheon  of  Flanders  Class. 


47 


udder.     They  yield  eighteen  quarts  of  milk 
for  a  period  of  eight  months. 

The  third  order  of  tlie  first  class  is 
still  smaller,  and  not  quite  so  decided  in 
\  shape.  It  has  also  a  semi-circular  tuft  be- 
low  the  vulva  of  small  size,  of  descending 
hair,  rather  shining  and  of  brighter  color. 
There  is  cither  only  one  oval  on  the  uddei, 
or  generally  none. 

Cows  of  the  third  order  yield  sixteen 
quarts,  and  milk  for  six  months. 


The  fourth 
order  of  the 
first  class, 
besides  being  still  smaller,  has  narrower 
thigh  escutcheons,  and  lower  down ;  also  the 
tuft  under  the  vulva  is  quite  long,  about  five 
or  six  inches,which  sometimes  make  the  ver- 
tical escutcheon  terminate  in  a  fork.  This 
tuft  has  more  lustre  and  is  whiter  than  tlie 
hair  around  it.  There  is  also  a  thigh  tuft  of 
half  oval  shape  on  the  right  of  the  escutch- 
eon, about  five  inches  high. 

Cows  of  the  fourth  order  yield  twelve 
quarts  a  day,  and  milk  five  months. 


The  Bastard  Flanders  have  two  marks 
which  distinguish  them:  1.  Some  have  on  the 
vertical  escutcheon  an  oval  tuft,  about  the 
middle  of  it ;  this  tuft  has  descending  hair, 
is  about  three  inches  long  and  two  inches 
wide,  and  the  lustre  of  the  hair  makes  it  ap- 
pear as  if  it  was  whiter  than  that  around  it. 
The  larger  the  oval  the  sooner  the  milk  will 
fail,  and  the  smaller  it  is  the  longer  will  she 
milk.  2.  Other  Bastards  of  this  class  are 
distinguished  by  the  ascending  and  descend- 
ing hair  interfering  with  each  other  on  the 
outlines  of  the  vertical  escutcheon,  looking 
feathery,  or  bristling  like  the  beard  of  wheat. 
The  skin  is  fine  and  reddish,  but  there  is  no 
dandruff.  The  larger  the  escutcheon,  and  the  finer  the  hair,  the  more 
abundant  the  milk ;  but  when  the  hair  is  coarse,  long,  and  thin,  the  yield 
is  small.  Both  kinds  of  Bastards  of  this  class  have  every  other  appearance 
of  the  best  cows.  And  all  Bastards  of  the  first  classes  have  the  two  ovals 
on  the  udder. 


48 


GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 


Second  Class.     Left  Flanders. 

The  cows  of  this  class 
are  very  similar  to  those  of 
the  first  class,  though  their 
yield  is  rather  less.  The 
vertical  escutcheon  is  en- 
tirely to  the  left  of  the  vul- 
va, and  the  thigh  escutch- 
eon on  the  right  is  broader 
than  that  on  the  left.  By 
comparison  with  the  first 
class,  these  will  be  seen  to 
be  very  similar,  but  in  each 
order  smaller ;  therefore,  it 
will  not  be  necessary  to  de- 
^iij^  scribe  them  separately,  but 
simply  to  state  the  yield. 
Cows  of  the  first  order  of 
the  second  class  will  yield 
eighteen  quarts,  and  milk 
eight  months 

The  second  order  of  the  second  class  have 

the  lip-shaped  tuft  to  the  left  of  the  vulva, 

and  have  one  oval  on  the  left  of  the  udder. 

Cows  of  this  order  give  sixteen  quarts,  and 

milk  seven  months. 

The  third  or- 
der has  the 
same  shaped 
escutcheon, 
but  more  con- 
tracted, and 
the  lip-shaped 
tuft  is  larger 
and  whiter. 

Cows  of  this  order  give  fourteen  quarts,  and 
milk  six  months. 

The    fourth 

order  has  two 

invasions     of 

the  thigh  es- 
cutcheon by  the  down-growing  hair,  a  serai- 
oval  one  on  the  right,  and  a  triangular  one  on 
the  left.  These  always  indicate  a  reduced 
quantity  of  milk. 

Cows  of  the  fourth  order  give  ten  quarts, 
and  milk  five  months 


Escutcheon  of  Selvage  Class. 


49 


The  escutcheon  of  the  Bastard  Left  Flan- 
ders is  known  by  this  peculiarity.  The  de- 
velopments are  larger  and  more  irregular 
on  the  top  of  the  vertical  escutcheon,  and  to 
the  left  of  the  vulva;  on  the  right  is  the 
ischiatic  tuft,  quite  large,  from  which  the 
hair  is  diverted  in  an  almost  horizontal  di- 
rection. 


Third  Class. — Selvasre. 


eight  months,  and  often  will  milk  nine  months, 
not  going  dry  unless  made  to. 

The  second  order  is  similar  to  the  first, 
only  of  reduced  size ;  it  has  a  tuft  to  the  left 
of  the  vulva ;  and  only  one  oval  on  the  udder 
on  the  left  side ;  the  hair  of  the  escutcheon 
is  generally  more  glossy  than  that  around  it. 
Cows  of  the  second  order  give  seventeen 
quarts,  and  milk  seven  months. 


The  escutcheon  of  this 
class  commences  above 
the  hock,  runs  up  on  the 
thighs  quite  higli,  thence 
it  descends  somewhat 
from  both  sides  to  the 
vertical  portion,  which 
rises,  gradually  narrow- 
ing to  the  vulva. 

The  first  order  of  the 
third  class  has  an  udder 
with  soft  skin,  and  fine 
■^"^"^  downy  hair,  which,  as 
well  as  the  thighs,  are  of 
a  yellow  or  nankeen  cast 
of  color.  There  are  two 
ovals  on  the  udder.  Cows 
of  the  first  order  give 
nineteen  quarts,  and  milk 


50 


GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 


The  third  order  escutcheon  curves  down- 
ward on  each  side  of  the  vertical  mirror, 
which  rises  narrowing  to  a  point  at  the 
vulva  ;  to  the  right  and  left  of  the  vulva  are 
tufts,  the  one  on  the  left  being  the  longest ; 
on  the  left  of  the  udder  is  sometimes  an  oval. 
Cows  of  the  third  order  give  fifteen  quarts, 
and  milk  six  months. 


The  escutch- 
eon  of  the 
fourth  order 
is  of  similar 
shape,  but 
still  smaller ; 
but  the  tuft  on  the  left  of  the  vulva  is  much 
longer  than  on  the  right,  and  there  is  no 
oval  on  the  udder. 

Cows    of  the  fourth   order  give  twelve 

quarts,  and 
milk  five 
months. 


The  bastards  of  the  third  class  have  two 
tufts,  one  on  the  right,  and  one  on  the  left  of 
the  vulva,  about  four  to  five  inches  long,  and 
one  and  one  half  inches  wide.  The  smaller 
they  are,  and  the  finer  the  hair  on  them,  the 
less  rapid  is  the  loss  of  milk.  But  if  they 
are  large  and  have  coarse  hair,  and  are  pointed 
at  each  end,  they  prove  the  milk  to  be  poor 
and  serous,  and  the  cow  will  fail  rapidly. 


The  Fourth  Class. 


Curveline. 

The  Curveline  cows  are 
very  plenty,  and  are  of  a 
very  good  grade,  ap- 
proaching the  first  class. 
The  escutcheon  is  broader 
than  the  last  two  classes, 
in  the  upper  part.  Their 
skin  is  of  delicate  texture, 
and  nankeen  shade  of  color 
on  the  escutcheon.  The 
higher  and  broader  the 
curved  line  rises  toward 
the  vulva,  which  it  never 
reaches,  the  better  it  is. 
There  are  two  ovals  on  the 
udder.  Cows  of  the  first  or- 
der of  the  fourth  class  give 
1 9  quarts,  and  milk  eight 
months,  and  sometimes  up 
to  their  next  calf. 


Escutcheon  of  Curveline  Class. 


51 


The  second  order  have  the  same  shape 
escutcheon,  but  more  contracted.  There 
is  but  one,  and  sometimes  no  oval  on  the 
udder.  On  the  left  of  the  vulva  is  a  small 
tuft. 

Cows  of  the  second  order  give  seventeen 
quarts,  and  milk  seven  months. 


The  third 
order  has  a 
smaller  es- 
cutcheon, 
with  two 
tufts  by  the 
|]i  vulva,  the 
left      longer 

than  the  right,  about  four  inches  by  one 
inch  wide.  Sometimes  an  oval  on  the  left 
side  of  the  udder. 

Cows    of   the   third   order    give   fifteen 
quarts,  and  milk  six  months. 


The  fourth  order  has  a  much  smaller  es- 
cutcheon, reaching  just  above  the  udder. 
The  two  tufts  ai-e  larger  alongside  the 
vulva,  and  the  hairs  bristle  to  each  side. 
On  the  right,  the  downgrowing  hair  in- 
trudes somewhat  upon  the  escutcheon. 

Cows  of  the  fourth  order  give  twelve 
quarts,  and  milk  five  months. 


The  Bas- 
tards ot  the 
fourth  class 
have  a  fine 


appearan  c  e 
of  escutch- 
eon, but  they  are  known  by  the  tufts  along- 
side the  vulva.  If  they  have  coarse  bristly 
hair,  and  of  large  size,  say  four  to  five 
inches  long,  and  one  and  a  half  in  width, 
they  indicate  a  rapid  loss  of  milk  as  soon 
as  pregnant,  particularly  if  they  are  pointed 
at  each  end. 


52 


GuENON  ON  MiLcn  Cows. 


The  Fifth  Class.     The  Bicom. 


The  escutcheons  of  this 
class  in  the  vertical  por- 
tion end  below  the  vulva 
in  an  indented  shape,  pre- 
senting the  appearance  of 
two  upright  horns.  Their 
udders  are  of  a  saffron 
color,  delicate,  with  fine, 
soft  hair,  and  have  much 
dandruff. 

The  first  order  has  two 

tufts  of  small  size  along 
the  vulva,  and  two  ovals 
on  the  udder.  They  give 
seventeen  quarts,  and 
milk  eight  months. 


The  second  order  are  similar  to  the  first, 
only  smaller  escutcheons,  the  vulva  tufts 
are  longer,  and  there  is  but  one  oval  on 
the  udder,  on  the  left.  The  right  horn  of 
the  escutcheon  is  smaller  than  the  left  one. 

Cows  of  the  second  order  give  fifteen 
quarts,  and  milk  seven  months. 

The  third 


order  give  thirteen  quarts, 
months. 


order    have 

similar    es 

cutclieons 

to  the  las% 

but  smaller, 

while      the 

vulva   tufLs 

are  larger,  there  are  no  ovals,  and  there  is 

an  invasion  of  the  descending  hair  on  the 

right  side.     The  right  is  two  inches  shorter 

than        the 

left. 

Cows    of 
the       third 
and  milk  six 


The  fourth  order  have  the  same  shaped 
escutcheon,  but  smaller,  with  two  tufts 
alongside  the  vulva,  larger  than  those  on 
the  last.  On  the  right  of  the  escutcheon 
is  a  triangular  cut  in  the  shape,  made  by 
encroachments  of  the  dpwn-growing  hair. 

Cows  of  the  fourth  order  give  ten  quarts, 
and  milk  five  months. 


Escutcheon  of  Double  Selvage  Class. 


53 


The  Bastards  of  the  fifth  class  have  the 
full  escutcheon  of  the  first  or  second  or- 
ders, but  with  two  large  tufts  alongside  the 
vulva,  which,  according  to  their  size,  and 
more  or  less  pointed  shape,  and  fine  or 
coarse  liair,  indicate  the  more  or  less  stop- 
page of  the  flow  of  milk. 


The  Sixth  Class.    Double  Selva^-e. 


down;  and  its  skin  is  yellowish  or  nan- 
keen. Cows  of  the  first  order  g' ve  eighteen 
quarts,  and  milk  full  eight  months. 

The  second  order  have  a  similar  escutch- 
eon, but  smaller,  and  the  sf^parating  strip 
ends  higher  up.    Cows  of  the  second  order 

give  sixteen 
quarts,  and 
milk  seven 
months. 


The  escutcheons  of 
Double  Selvage  cows  dif- 
fer from  those  of  Selvage, 
or  the  third  class,  in  that 
the  escutcheon  is  marked 
in  its  whole  length  by  a 
strip  of  hair  descending 
and  dividing  it  into  two 
equal  portions.  It  is 
bordered  in  its  whole 
length  and  at  the  extrem- 
ity by  a  double  line  of  as- 
cending hair,  which  ex- 
tends the  escutcheon  up 
to  the  vulva.  Otherwise 
it  is  like  the  selvage  es- 
cutcheon. 

The  first  order  cows 
have  a  fine  udder,  soft, 
and  covered  with  a  silky 


The  third 
order have a 
still  more 
reduced  es- 
cutcheon, the  descending  strip  terminating 
at  the  udder. 

Cows  of  the  third  order  give  fourteen 
quarts,  and  milk  six  months. 


54 


GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 


The  fourth  order  have  an  escutcheon 
more  broken  in  appearance,  the  two  side 
lines  of  the  selvage  terminate  halfway  to  the 
vulva,  and  end  off  in  lines  of  a  feathery  ap- 
pearance, the  hair  is  coarser  and  more  furry, 

Cows  of  the  fourth  order  trive  ten  quarts, 
and     milk 


five  montlis. 
Bastards 
of  the  sixth 
class  have 
the  escutch- 
eon similar 
to  the  first 
class,butthe 

selvage  lines  terminate  on  each  side  of  the 

vulva  in  tufts  of  coarse  and  bristly  hair; 

the  larger  and  coarser  they  are,  the  sooner 

the  milk  will  fail. 

The  Seventh  Class.     Demijohn. 


The  first  order  of  tliis 
class  has  the  skin  of  the 
escutcheon  of  yellowish 
color.  The  udder  is  fine, 
and  covered  with  a  silky 
down  to  the  inside  of  the 
thighs;  and  the  dandruff 
is  soft  and  oily  to  the  touch. 
The  shape  is  similar  to  the 
selvage  somewhat,  only 
the  vertical  mirror  rises 
broader  and  straighter, 
and  ends  half  way  up  to 
the  vulva,  cut  square  off. 
The  broader  and  higher 
this  part  is,  the  better  the 
escutcheon.  The  escutch- 
eon is  not  so  high  up  on 
the  thighs  as  the  previous 


classes.  There  are  two  ovals  on  the  udder, 
and  two  small  tufts  of  fine  hair  alongside  the 
vulva. 

Cows  of  the  first  order  give  seventeen  quarts, 
and  milk  eight  months. 

The  second  order  have  the  escutcheon  lower 
down  and,  of  course,  smaller  in  every  way. 
There  are  two  tufts  alongside  the  vulva,  the 
left  one  as  large  as  in  the  first  order,  (two 
and  a  half  inches,)  the  right  one  only  half  as 
long.  There  is  one  oval  on  the  left  of  the 
udder. 

Cows  of  the  second  order  give  fifteen  quarts, 
and  milk  seven  months. 


Escutcheon  of  Square  Escutcheon  Class. 


55 


The  third  order  escutcheon  is  of  different 
shape, the  lines  converging  downwards  from 
the  vertical  mirror,  which  is  short,  and  cut 
off  square.  The  right  side  frequently  has  a 
curved  line  from  the  descending  hair  invad- 
ing it.  The  vulva  tiifts  are  longer  than  in 
the  second  order. 

Cows  of  the  third  order  give  thirteen 
quarts,  ami  milk  six  months. 


The  fourth 
order  has  the 
escutcheon 
still    smaller. 
The     tufts 
alongside  the  vulva  are  not  so  plain, 
the  hair  is  coarse  and  bristlj^      There 
triangular  invasion  on  the  right  of  the 
cutcheon. 

Cows  of  the 
fourth  order 
give  ten  quarts 
and  milk  five 
months. 


but 
is  a 

es- 


The  Bastards  of  this  class  have  a  good 
escutcheon,  but  the  tufts  ai'e  large  and  of 
coarse,  bristly  hair,  and  will  fail  according 
to  the  size. 


The  Eighth.  Class.    Square  Escutcheon. 


-^S 


The  first  order  of  this 
class  have  the  same  yel- 
lowish color  on  the  es- 
cutcheon as  other  first 
orders ;  the  udder  is 
flexible,  covered  with  a 
short,  fine  down.  The 
escutcheon  is  much  of 
the  shape  of  the  Demi- 
johns, but  the  vertical, 
as  it  rises,  branches 
square  off  to  the  left, 
and  ascends,  straight 
and  narrow,  to  the  left 
side  of  the  vulva.  There 
are  two  ovals  on  the 
udder.  The  more  the 
square  approaches  the 
vulva,  and  the  finer  the 
hair,  the  greater  quan- 


56 


GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 


tity  is  there  of  milk.     Cows  of  the  first  order  give  seventeen  quarts,  and 

milk  eight  months. 

The  second  order  have  a  similar  escutch- 
eon, only  smaller  in  every  way.     They  have 

two  ovals  on  the  udder,  and  a  small  tuft  to 

the  right  of  the  vulva. 
Cows  of  the  second  order  give  fifteen  quarts, 

and  milk  seven  months. 

The  third  or- 
der have  the  es- 
cutcheon still 
smaller;  the  lines 
curving  down- 
ward at  the  cor- 
ners ;  one  oval 
on  the  udder,  and 
the  tuft   to   the 

right  of  the  vulva,  larger  and  of  coarser  hair. 

Cows    of   the   third   order     give    tliirteen 

quarts,  and  milk 

six  months. 

The  fourth  or- 
der have  the  es- 
cutcheon much  smaller,  the  square  is  much 

lower,  and  the  upper  part  of  it  is  formed  of 

bristly  hair,  and  feathery  looking ;  as  is  also 

the  tuft  to  the  right.     On  the  right  side  of 

the  escutcheon  is  an  invasion  of  triangular 

shape. 

Cows  of  the  fourth  order  give  ten  quarts, 

and  milk  five  months. 


The  Bastards 
of  the,  eighth 
class  are  distinguished  from  those  of  the  first 
order  by  the  tuft  on  the  right,  which  is  of 
coarse  and  bristly  hair,  and  the  square  termi- 
nates also  in  the  same  hair. 


Escutcheon  of  Limousine  Class. 


57 


The  Ninth  Class.    Limousines. 

The  escutcheons  of  this 
class,  in  ascending  toward 
the  vulva,  do  so  in  the 
shape  of  a  spire,  but  stop 
short  about  half  way. 

The  first  order  has  the 
escutcheon  of  yellowish 
color,  with  flexible  ud- 
der, covered  with  hair 
downy  and  silky.  The 
shape  is  the  same  as  the 
seventh  and  eighth  class, 
except  that  the  vertical 
escutcheon  ends  in  a 
sharp  point,  like  a  spire 
or  arrow  head.    There  are 

„„_ ,    „,-     .  tufts  along  each  side  of 

C^J^^^^^^•^^^l?&^V>>-'"^^^^^rIV^^>*^"  ^"^    "  the  vulva,  and  two  ovals 

^■--^'-^  on  the  udder. 

Cows  of  the  first  order  give  fifteen  quarts,  and  milk  eight  months. 

The  second  order  is  similar  in  the  escutch- 
eon, but  smaller,  with  but  one  oval  on  the 
udder,  and  the  vulva  tufts  larger,  the  left  be- 
ing longer  than  the  right. 

Cows  of  the  second  order  give  thirteen 
quarts,  and  milk  seven  months. 

The  third  or- 
der is  again 
smaller ;  the  cor- 
ners rounded 
downward;  the 
tufts  larger;  noj 
oval  on  the  ud- 
der. 

Cows  of  the  third  order  give  ten  quarts, 
and  milk  six  months. 


The  fourth 
order  same 
shape  as  the 
last,  but  still  smaller  and  more  rounding. 
The  vulva  tufts  are  of  bristly  hair,  and 
the  left  one  is  seven  inches  long. 

Cows  of   the  fourth  order   give    eight 
quarts,  and  milk  five  months. 


58 


GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 


The  Bastards  of  the  ninth  class  have  a 
good  escutcheon,  but  are  distinguished  by 
the  large  tufts  of  coarse,  bristly  hair  along- 
side the  vulva. 


The  Tenth  Class. — Horizontal. 


The  first  order  have  a 
dandruff  of  yellowish 
color ;  the  hair  is  short, 
fine,  and  silky ;  the  es- 
cutcheon is  lower  down 
from  the  vulva  than  the 
other  classes,  and  is  cut 
off  by  a  horizontal  line. 
There  are  two  ovals  on 
the  udder ;  and  two  tufts, 
about  three  and  one  half 
inches  long,  on  the  sides 
of  the  vulva. 

Cows  of  the  first  order 
give  thirteen  quarts,  and 
milk  eight  months. 


The  second  order  has  a  smaller  escutcheon ; 
the  vulva  tufts  are  larger,  the  right  shorter 
than  the  left ;  there  is  but  one  udder  oval ; 
in  several  of  the  orders  of  this  class  there  is 
a  small  streak  of  ascending  hair  directly  be- 
low the  vuha. 

Cows  of  the  second  order  give  ten  quarts, 

and  milk  seven 
months. 


The  third  or- 
der have  still 
smaller  escutch- 
eons; larger  vul- 
va tufts,  the  one  on  the  left  of  bristling  bair, 
four  to  five  inches  in  length.  The  desi^end- 
ing  hair  encroaches  on  the  escutcheon  on  the 
right  in  a  triangular  shape. 

Cows  of  the  third  order  give  eight  quarts, 
and  milk  six  months. 


Effect  of  Crossing  Two  Escutcheons. 


59 


The  fourth  order  have  still  smaller  escutch- 
eons ;  larger  and  coarser  vulva  tufts ;  and  an 
invasion  on  the  escutcheon  on  the  right  in 
triangular  shape,  and  on  the  left  of  semi-cir- 
cular shape. 

Cows  of  the  fourth  order  give  seven  quarts, 
and  milk  five  months. 


The  bastards 
of  the  tenth 
class  have  the 
escutcheons 
large  and  good 
shaped ;  but  are 
distinguished 
by  the  tufts  alongside  the  vulva,  these  tell 
how  long  she  will  milk,  by  their  size  and 
the  grade  of  the  hair  on  them. 


Effects  of  Crossing  two  Escutch.eons. 

Cross  between  the  Selvage  and  Left  Flanders. 
The  cows  bearing  this  character  are  easily  recogni- 
zable in  certain  breeds,  and  notably  on  those  of  the 
north-east  of  France. 


with   in 


Cross  between  the  Bicorn  and 
Selvage. — The  Ujn^  or  tuft,  which 
hA  I  termed  jonctif,  or  mesian  tuft,  and 
ij!^ which  is  seen  adhering  under  the 
^  vulva,  is  a  favorable  sign,  and  can 
those  classes  where  the  escutcheon 
does  not  reach  as  high  as  the  vulva. 

Cows  which  bear  one  or  the  other  of  these  two  es- 
cutcheons, are  generally  good  milkers,  and  preserve 
their  milk  as  well  as  cows  of  the  first  order  of  each 
class.  These  are  the  new  escutcheons  alluded  to  in 
Guenon's  introduction,  showing  the  effect  of  crossing. 


60  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 


ESCUTCHEONS  0:N'  BULLS. 


Guenon  applied  his  discovery  to  bulls  to  great  advantage.  He  found 
that  bulls  belonged  to  the  same  classes  as  cows,  and  had  escutcheons  simi- 
lar, but  much  smaller ;  these  extend  from  the  testicles  upward  toward  the 
anus.  The  importance  of  having  a  good  bull  becomes  apparent  when  we 
reflect  that  he  "  gets"  from  fifty  to  one  hundred,  annually,  while  the  cow 
is  impregnated  but  once  in  the  year.  The  escutcheons  of  the  progeny  of  a 
cow  with  good  escutcheon  will  be  much  improved  if  the  cow  is  coupled 
with  a  bull  well  marked,  and  particularly  if  his  escutcheon  is  the  same  as 
that  of  the  cow.  Better  have  the  two  of  different  breeds,  but  of  similar  or 
good  escutcheons,  than  to  have  the  bull  with  inferior  escutcheon. 

Of  course,  the  higher  up  the  escutcheon  extends  on  a  bull,  and  the  broader 
it  is,  the  better  it  is,  but  we  must  not  look  for  bulls  to  be  so  well-marked 
as  cows  are,  for  they  never  are.  To  distinguish  the  bastard  bulls  from  the 
good  ones,  observe  if  there  are  any  streaks  of  descending  hair,  and  mixing 
80  as  to  be  bristly.  This  indication  will  be  a  certain  one  in  proportion  to 
the  size  of  the  blemish,  and  as  that  is  in  proportion  to  the  whole  escutcheon. 

Guenon  says :  After  having  described,  as  I  have  done,  all  the  classes  of 
cows,  and  taught  to  recognize  the  bastards,  I  pass  to  the  characteristic 
signs  of  the  bulls  reproducers,  which  can  also  be  divided  into  orders  and 
classes ;  the  signs  are  the  same  as  for  the  females,  but  they  are  much  more 
restricted  and  of  less  extent. 

With  the  males  the  escutcheon  commences  on  the  inside  below  the  hams 
and  extends  as  far  as  the  middle  of  the  posterior  surface  of  the  leg,  and 
extends  sometimes  even  to  the  anus  of  the  superior  orders  in  certain 
classes. 

Like  that  of  cows,  the  escutcheon  of  bulls  is  modified  by  tufts. 

The  bulls  whose  escutcheons  are  similar  in  their  form  and  size  to  cows 
of  the  first  order,  possess  a  great  ability  for  procreating  good  milk  cows, 
those  on  the  contrary  whose  escutcheons  are  but  little  developed,  produce 
on)y  those  of  poor  yield. 

A  bull  will  be  well  marked,  and  a  good  reproducer  when  there  is  no  in- 
terruption of  descending  hair  in  the  ascending  hair  on  the  escutcheon ; 
when  the  shape  of  the  escutcheon  is  of  large  dimensions  in  proportion  to 
the  size  of  the  animal,  and  it  is  covered  with  very  fine  hair. 

The  bulls  of  which  the  escutcheon  is  small  and  covered  with  coarse  hair 
and  irregular  on  the  sides  procreate  bad  milk  cows,  which  give  serous 
milk. 

All  interruptions  in  the  ascending  hair  of  the  escutcheon  by  encroach- 


Eseuteheon  of  Guernsey  Bull  RADLEY, 

No.  209,  A.  G.  H.  B. 


Characteristios  of  Bulls.  61 

ments  of  the  descending  hair  on  the  right  or  left,  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
thigh,  indicate  for  their  get  a  lower  grade,  and  at  a  glance  the  inferiority  of 
the  milk  production. 

The  yellow  or  nankeen  color  of  the  skin  of  the  escutcheon  is  always  a 
favorable  sign. 

The  good  reproducing  bull  will  prove  fecund  until  ten  or  fifteen  years  of 
age,  but  it  is  a  rare  exception. 

Any  one  may  be  grossly  deceived  if  he  judges  only  by  the  appearance 
or  the  shape  of  the  prolific  qualities  of  a  bull.  Experience  or  observation 
alone  can  show  that  he  has  maintained  his  early  ability. 

A  vigorous  bull,  well  fed,  can  serve  one  or  more  cows  each  day,  but  it 
is  of  great  importance  that  he  shall  not  commence  to  serve  until  he  is  fif- 
teen or  eighteen  months  old,  otherwise  he  will  be  speedily  exhausted  and 
deformed.  The  improving  mark  of  his  cross  and  his  vigor  will  be  speedily 
shortened. 

When  the  bull  has  attained  the  age  of  two  and  a  half  or  three  years, 
the  form  alters,  the  hind- quarters  become  attenuated,  the  front  quarter  be- 
comes much  enlarged,  his  neck  enlarges  and  thickens,  &c. 

About  this  time,  whether  he  is  castrated  or  whether  he  is  "twisted,"  he 
preserves  always  the  altered  form  of  the  bull,  and  is  less  sought  for  work, 
and  in  less  request  for  butchering. 

When  the  operations  of  castration  and  twisting  are  done  too  late,  the 
animal  has  less  predisposition  to  fatten  ;  his  flesh  is  harder  and  tougher ; 
he  is,  however,  in  appearance  in  the  same  conditions  of  age,  of  quality, 
and  of  nourishment,  as  those  castrated  earlier. 

Often  bulls,  whose  character  is  docile  and  gentle,  become  wild  and  furi- 
ous when  they  are  used  to  serve. 

In  certain  regions,  to  tame  them,  they  put  a  ring  of  iron  in  their  nose ; 
in  others,  where  the  good  use  of  these  rings  is  not  known,  they  are  obliged 
to  castrate  or  twist  them.  This  operation  suffices,  generally,  to  control 
their  passion  ;  but,  if  not,  they  are  sent  to  the  butcher. 

Classification  of  Bull  Reproducers. 

There  are  for  bulls,  as  for  cows,  ten  classes  or  families ;  each  class  sub- 
divided into  several  orders,  and  each  order  comprises  three  grades,  high, 
medium,  and  low. 

I  only  admit,  in  each  class,  three  orders.  If  one  wishes  to  proceed  in 
the  application  with  more  rigor,  he  will  follow  the  sub-divisions  of  the 
classification  of  the  cows.  I  will  designate  the  three  orders  of  each  class 
by  the  denominations  of  good,  medium,  and  bad. 

The  signs  indicating  the  qualities  which  render  the  bull  likely  to  beget 
good  milk  cows  are  placed,  like  those  of  the  female,  on  the  posterior  parts. 
They  start  from  the  bag,  and  rise  up  to  the  anus,  covering,  also,  the  gen- 
ital parts,  and  the  scrotum. 

With  bulls,  the  escutcheons  start  from  the  anterior  part  of  the  bag,  ex- 


62  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

tending  inside,  and  upon  the  hams,  projecting  on  the  thighs  ;  from  there, 
the  curved  lines,  obtuse  or  acute,  following  the  class,  joining  to  the  right 
or  the  left  under  the  anus. 

The  escutcheon,  in  all  its  extent,  is  shown  b}^  the  fineness  of  the  hair, 
'and  the  skin  ;  by  the  color,  more  or  less  yellow,  of  the  epidermis,  and  of 
the  particles  of  dandrufi"  which  can  be  detached. 

The  characteristic  secondary  signs  of  the  females  will  also  be  found  in 
the  males. 

Bulls,  like  cows,  have  four  and,  sometimes,  six  false  teats,  which  are 
found  before  the  bag,  in  the  direction  of  the  navel.  These  teats  are  small 
and  short. 

Starting  from  the  bag,  one  notices  to  the  right  and  the  left  of  the  stomach 
two  veins  resembling  the  two  milk  veins  of  cows.  They  are  prolonged  to 
and  pass  a  little  in  the  direction  of  the  navel,  and  terminate  in  a  small 
cavity. 

Independent  of  the  characteristic  signs  indicated  above,  the  bull  repro- 
ducers should  unite  all  the  essential  conditions  which  in  each  locality  con- 
stitute the  type  of  the  pure  race.     These  conditions  are : 

1.  The  color  of  the  hide  preferred  in  that  country. 

2.  A  size  proportioned  to  the  race  that  they  are  to  continue.  A  shape 
and  a  frame  usually  accepted. 

3.  To  be  of  the  first  order  in  each  class,  easily  showing  the  power  of 
transmitting  milking  qualities. 

4.  Aptitude  for  fattening. 

5.  To  be  good  for  work. 

6.  To  have  a  docile  and  patient  character. 

The  evils  of  conformation,  like  the  good  qualities,  are  transmitted  gen- 
erally by  the  act  of  generation.  If  it  does  not  have  the  ability  to  do  this, 
one  should  quickly  correct  it. 

Here  the  bovine  race  has  been  much  neglected  in  all  these  respects.  A 
judicious  choice,  and  a  scrupulous  attention  is  not  always  prevalent  in  se- 
lecting a  breeding  animal ;  thus  it  results  in  a  fatal  re-generation,  to  which 
it  is  time  to  put  a  stop. 

Before  giving  the  distinctive  characteristics  of  the  ten  classes  of  bulls, 
it  will  be  useful  to  mention  those  classes  which  are  oftener  met  in  French 
and  foreign  races ;  and  also  those  which  are  more  rare. 

The  classes  which  are  most  distributed,  and  which  present  the  greatest 
number  of  bulls,  are  in  all  races  these  three  classes:  1.  The  Curved-line  ; 
2.  The  Limousine ;  3.  The  Horizontal. 

The  classes  on  the  contrary,  which  present  but  a  very  small  number  of 
subjects,  are  in  the  following  order: 

4.  Demijohn.  8.  Left  Flanders. 

5.  Bicorne.  9.  Double  Selvage. 

6.  Square-cut.  10.  Flanders. 
1.  Selvage. 


■vgiiiiiiii.: 


M(a«llvyW\\,   1 


\'^'^  '^^~'^'^'^^^^'^'^^^'^'^g!lllMllllUKi^^ 


Classification  of  Bulls.  63 

The  reason  one  finds  so  few  good  breeding  bulls  belonging  to  the  first 
class,  is  first,  the  small  number  of  such  animals  compared  to  that  of  cows  ; 
and  next,  the  lack  of  knowledge  of  the  best  ones  to  keep.  Oltentimes  for 
want  of  this  knowledge,  the  best  bulls  were  castrated  for  oxen  or  for  fat- 
tening, thus  by  chance,  the  poorest  are  often  kept. 

The  best  individuals  have  generally  at  birth,  all  the  qualities  which 
characterize  a  superior  animal.  They  are  easily  kept  and  fattened,  for  the 
reason  that  their  mother  has  much  milk,  and  are  soon  ready  for  the  butcher. 
Inferior  animals,  on  account  of  a  smaller  supply  of  milk,  are  thin,  and 
often  malicious,  of  little  value,  and  remain  oftener  in  the  hands  of  the 
owner.  Thus  are  sacrificed  the  good  bulls,  and  the  bad  are  kept.  There- 
fore, always  select  the  choicest  when  they  are  young,  to  improve  the  race. 

It  will  thus  be  seen,  Guenon  divided  his  bulls  into  three  classes :  The 
good,  the  mediocre,  and  the  bad.  He  also  divided  them  into  three  sizes : 
The  high,  the  medium,  and  the  low.  But  he  makes  no  difference  between 
the  three  sizes  of  bulls  in  his  description  of  the  escutcheon.  lie  describes 
each  one  of  the  three  principal  orders,  leaving  to  the  practitioner  to  de- 
termine the  intermediate  degrees  between  the  good  and  the  mediocre,  and 
between  the  mediocre  and  the  bad. 

We  do  not  repeat  his  descriptions,  as  they  are  based  upon  those  of  the 
cows  of  the  same  classes,  and  the  engravings  tell  the  whole  story.  We  re- 
produce the  engravings  of  the  good  and  mediocre.  But  very  occasionally 
is  one  of  the  "  rare"  ones  observed,  but  he  says  the  Curved-line  is  the  most 
usual,  then  the  Limousine,  and  lastly  the  Horizontal.  What  we  give  is 
quite  sufficient  for  all  practical  purposes.  We  advise  all  to  carefully  se- 
lect their  breeding  animal,  which  will,  in  most  cases,  be  from  among  what 
he  calls  the  •'  mediocre." 


64 


GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

Class  I.— Flanders  Bull. 


^^V^^i^^^ 


Classification  of  Bulls. 
Class  IV.—CitrveXine  Bulls. 


65 


66 


GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 
Class  VII— Demijohn  Bulls. 


Class  Vlll.—lSqiiare  Bulls. 


Class  IX.— Limousine  Bulls. 


Report  of  Pennsylvania  Commission.  6T 


REPORT  or  THE  pe]s^nsylya:n^ia  gue:n'ok 

COMMISSIOIN^. 


At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Board  held  January  2,  18V8,  it  was 
"  liesolved,  That  the  president  of  the  Board  (His  Excellency  Governor 
John  F,  Ilartranft)  be  authorized  and  requested  to  appoint  a  commission 
of  experts,  who  shall  inquire  into  and  report  upon  the  reliability  of  the 
Guenon  or  escutcheon  theory  for  selecting  milking  stock;  said  report  to 
be  made  to  the  secretary  of  the  Board  on  or  before  the  1st  of  November 
next." 

In  accordance  with  this  request,  His  Excellency  Governor  Hartranft 
issued  tlie  following  commission  : 

Commonwealth  of  Pennsylvania, 
Executive  Chamber,  Harrisburo,  April  £4t  1878. 
To  George  Blight,  Esq.,  of  the  city  of  Philadelphia  ;  Chalkley  Harvey, 
Esq.,  of  the  county  of  Delaware^  and  Willis  P.  Hazard,  Esq.,  of  the 
county  of  Chester : 

Gentlemen  :  I  have  the  honor  to  inform  you  that  j^ou  have  been  duly 
appointed  a  committee  by  the  State  Board  of  Agriculture  to  investigate 
and  test  "  The  Guenon  Milk  Escutcheon  Theory,"  and  report  the  result 
thereof  to  the  secretary  of  said  Board. 

Jno.  F.  Hartranft, 
Governor  and  President  of  the  Board. 

November  i,  1878. 

To  the  Honorable  Jno.  F.  Hartranft, 

Governor  and  President  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture  : 
Your  Excellency  :  In  compliance  with  the  commission  tendered  us, 
we  beg  leave  most  respectful]}''  to  report  that  we  have  visited  a  number  of 
herds  and  have  examined  two  hundred  cows,  the  result  of  which  is  here- 
with submitted. 

Having  performed  to  the  best  of  our  ability  the  duty  assigned  us,  we 
beg  leave  to  be  discharged  from  further  consideration  of  the  question. 
Respectfully  yours, 

George  Blight,  Philadelphia, 
Chalkley  Harvey,  Chad^s  Ford, 
Willis  P.  Hazard,   West  Chester. 

The  Pennsj'lvania  Guenon  Commission  having  been  appointed  "to  in- 
vestigate and  test  the  Guenon  or  Milk  Escutcheon  theory,  and  report  the 
result  thereof,"  respectfully  report  that  they  have  examined  two  hundred 
cows,  heifers,  and  bulls,  and  the  result  of  their  examinations  has  been  to 
convince  themselves  and  others  of  the  merits  of  the  system,  of  its  exceed- 
ing value  to  the  practical  farmer ;  and  they  believe  that  if  generally  fol- 
lowed for  twenty  years,  the  value  of  the  neat  cattle  of  the  State  would  be 
increased  vastly,  the  amount  of  milk  and  butter  produced  would  be  much 
larger,  and  the  quality  of  both  articles  better,  while  the  quality  of  the 
meat  would  be  improved.     Having  believed  in  and  practised  the  system 


68  GuENON  ON  MiLcii  Cows. 

for  many  years,  they  would  add  that  their  recent  extended  and  careful  ex- 
aminations and  contact  with  a  number  of  owners  of  all  grades  of  stock, 
has  tended  to  confirm  them  more  thoroughly  in  their  belief.  As  an  ad- 
junct to  previous  knowledge  to  assist  purchasers  or  breeders  of  cattle  in 
getting  or  raising  the  best,  and  weeding  out  the  poorest,  they  think  it  is 
worthy  of  being  acquired  by  every  farmer.  And  they  would  recommend 
their  fellow  farmers  not  to  be  dismayed  at  the  apparent  difficulties  to  be 
surmoimted  in  obtaining  a  knowledge  of  the  system,  as  it  is  only  abso- 
lutely necessary  to  acquire  a  knowledge  of  the  first  four  orders  of  each 
class,  and  a  few  other  points,  to  practically  apply  it,  as  all  animals  below 
those  grades  are  not  worthy  of  being  kept.  Any  intelligent  man  can 
readily  master  the  system,  and  soon  become  proficient  in  it  by  practice. 
This  knowledge,  applied  with  the  tests  heretofore  usually  used,  will  ena- 
ble any  one  to  become  a  good  judge  of  cattle. 

The  manner  of  making  up  their  account  of  each  animal  is  to  examine 
the  escutcheon  and  the  udder,  from  which  they  place  her  in  the  class  and 
order  nearest  to  those  delineated  by  Guenon,  and  then  estimate  the  quantity, 
quality,  and  time  that  she  will  milk.  These  estimates  must  be,  of  course, 
only  approximate^  as  they  are  based  upon  the  indications  of  the  escutch- 
eon, the  size  of  the  cow,  and  her  probable  condition.  As  it  is  readily  seen 
that  where  estimates  are  based  upon  what  the  cow  should  do  within  three 
months  of  her  being  fresh^  it  would  be  impossible  to  always  grade  the 
exact  value  of  all  the  cows  in  a  herd,  each  of  which  is  at  a  ditferent  period 
of  gestation,  or  in  a  diflferent  condition  or  state  of  health,  and  where  also 
the  cow  is  affected  by  the  way  in  which  she  is  fed  and  cared  for,  by  the 
season,  by  the  state  of  the  temperature,  and  other  circumstances.  The 
estimates  are  based  upon  what  the  commission  thinks  the  cow  would  do 
when  all  the  conditions  are  favorable  to  her  development,  and  where  she 
is  properly  fed  and  cared  for.  A  record  is  made  by  the  commission  on 
the  spot.  An  account  of  the  qualities  of  each  head  is  drawn  up  by  the 
owner.  Each  is  made  at  separate  times,  and  without  the  knowledge  of  the 
other  party.  Then  the  two  accounts  are  copied  off  into  parallel  columns 
for  comparison.  If  the  accounts  agree  in  seventy-five  per  cent,  out  of  one 
hundred,  it  certainly  must  be  presumed  the  system  has  sufficient  value  to 
make  it  worthy  of  adoption  by  all  farmers  and  breeders.  As  every  farmer 
knows  the  yield  is  much  influenced  by  the  feed,  the  care,  the  exposure, 
and  the  treatment  of  the  cows ;  therefore,  a  certain  amount  of  allowance 
must  be  made,  for  these  various  things  will  so  alter  matters,  that  no  one 
can  tell  to  a  quart,  or  a  pound  of  butter,  or  to  the  week  in  time  of  milking. 
In  fact,  every  farmer  knows  neither  the  owner  himself,  nor  his  man,  can 
tell  to  a  quart  how  much  his  cow  or  cows  actually  give,  unless  a  daily 
record  is  kept  every  day  of  every  year.  For  even  if  he  does  keep  such  a 
record,  he  will  find  the  various  circumstances  named  above  aflecting  the 
quantities  in  his  record.  Therefore  the  earnest  seeker  after  truth,  com- 
paring the  statements  made  in  the  two  columns,  must  not  expect  the  two 
to  tally  without  some  variations.  The  true  spirit  with  which  he  must  ex- 
amine these  statements,  will  suggest  itself  in  the  question :  Is  this  a  sys- 
tem by  which  I  can  judge  of  the  value  and  quantities  of  a  cow  correctly  ? 
Is  this  a  system  that  will  tell  me  the  points  of  a  cow,  good  or  bad,  more 
correctly  than  by  any  other  method  ?  Let  the  candid  inquirer  weigh  these 
statements,  and  think  if  he  knows  of  any  method  by  which  he  can  go  into 
a  herd  and  surely  pick  out  the  best  cows,  and  leave  the  poor  ones  to  those 
who  judge  not  by  this  system.  Every  farmer  has  his  own  mode  of  judg- 
ing, but  take  the  shrewdest  and  most  practiced,  can  he  avoid  often  the 
bastards?     What  the  commission  find   they  can  do,  is   that  in  a  large 


Report  of  Pennsylvania  Commission. 


69 


majority  of  the  percentage  of  cases,  they  will  give  a  good  estimate  of  the 
qualities  of  any  animal.  Their  opinions  of  th6  time  a  cow  will  go,  is 
based  upon  what  they  think  should  be  the  treatment  of  all  cows,  viz. :  that 
every  cow  should  have  a  rest  of  from  four  to  six  weeks,  at  least. 


The  Commission  at  Barney's  Farm. 

The  members  of  the  Guenon  commission,  visited  the  farm  of  John  B. 
Barney,  on  the  9th  of  May,  1878,  and  examined  twelve  cows,  mostly  Grade 
Durhams,  Grade  Jerseys,  and  farm  stock,  and  they  were  uniformly  suc- 
cessful in  judging  of  said  stock,  with  some  difference  of  opinion  on  two  of 
them. 

"  I  was  present  at  the  exanunation  of  twelve  cows  of  my  herd,  and  think  the  com- 
mittee were  so  uuilornily  sviccessful  in  judging  of  the  merits  of  the  diti'erent  cows, 
with  such  slight  varialions  t)f  opinion  between  us,  as  to  increase  my  belief  in  the  Gue- 
non system  being  of  great  advantage  to  the  farmers  in  selecting  stock. 

John  B.  Barney. 
Chadd's  Ford,  Chester  county. ^^ 
May  16,  1878. 

The  Commission  at  Sharpless'  Farm. 

The  commission  visited  the  fine  farm  and  herd  of  Jersey  cows  of  Samuel 
J.  Sharpless,  at  Street  Road  station.  West  Chester  railroad,  May  10. 
Present.  Messrs.  Ilarvey,  Blight,  Hazard,  and  Thomas  J.  Edge. 


Sam'l  J.  Sharpless'  Herd  of  Jerseys, 
AS  Reported  by  E.  J.  Durnall, 
Herdsman  for  S.  J.  S.,  May  10,  1878. 

No.  1 Seven  years. 

Quantity,  about  12  quarts  a  day. 

Quality,  medium. 

Miilisaljout  10  months. 
No.  2 Thirteen  years. 

Quantity,  best.  Gives  24  quarts 3  months 
after  calving. 

Quality,  second  rate.     Has   made   Hi 
pounds  in  a  week. 

Milks  full  up  to  time,  except  when  she 
had  twin  calves. 
No.  S. — Eleven  years. 

Quantity,  medimu. 

Quality,  best. 

Would  go  to  her  time. 
No.  4.— Eight  years. 

Quantity,  medium. 

Quality,  good;  makes  about  10  pounds. 

Up  to  her  time. 
No.  5. — Imported.    Eleven  years. 

Quantity,  about  17  to  18  quarts  a  day. 

Quality,  best;  makesll  pounds  per  week. 

Vp  to  her  time. 
No.  6. — Ten  years. 

Quantity,  second  rate. 

Quality,  njedium. 

About  two  months  short  of  her  time. 
No.  7.— Two  yearsold.  Had  only  first  calf. 

Quantity,  medium. 

Quality,  good. 

Not  fairly  tested  for  time. 
No.  8. — Four  years. 

Quantity,  medium. 

Quality,  first  class. 

Up  to  calving. 
No.  9. — From  Niobe  Thhd.  Three  years. 

Quantity,  tirst  rate. 

Quality,  tirst  rate. 

Up  to  her  time. 


Sam'l  J.  Sharpless'  Herd  as  Report- 
ed UPON  BY  GUENON  COMMISSION  OF 

THE  State,  May  10,  1878. 
No.  1 — CurvelLne  cow,  second  order. 

Quantity,  if  14  quarts,  doing  well. 

Quality,  good. 

Will  milk  ten  months  out  of  twelve. 
No.  2. — Flanders  cow,  third  order. 

Quantity,  16  quarts  first  three  months. 

Quality,  third  rate. 
Dry  two  months. 

No.  8. — Flanders  cow,  third  order. 

Quantity,  12  quarts;  three  months. 

Quality,  very  good  and  rich. 

Dry  six  weeks. 
No.  4. — Flanders  cow,  second  order. 

Quantity,  14  quarts. 

Quality,  very  tine. 

Well  up  to  her  time. 
No  5. — Selvage  cow,  tirst  order. 

Quantity,  best ;  about  18  quarts. 

Quality,  no  question. 

Milks  up  to  her  time. 
No.  6. — Flanders  cow,  first  order. 

Superior  milker. 

Qualitj^,  second  class. 

Mil  ks  up  to  her  time  ;  say  six  weeks. 
No.  7. — Ctirveline  cow,  second  order. 

Quantity,  medium. 

Quality,  tooyoun^lbrquality ;  say  good. 

Time,  too  young  for  test. 
No.  8. — Selvage  cow,  second  order. 

Quantity,  mediiun. 

Quality,  good. 

Up  to  her  time ;  say  six  weeks. 
No.  P.— Flanders  cow,  second  order. 

Quantity,  tirst  class. 

Quality,  first  class. 

Well  up  to  her  time. 


TO 


GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 


No.  11. — Horizontal  cow. 
Quantity,  first-ciass. 
Quality,  inferior. 

Milk  up  to  eight  months. 
No.  i^.— Flanders  cow,  third  order. 

Quantity,  light. 

Qualit3%  third  class. 

Three  months  short  of  her  time. 
No.  13. — Flanders  cow,  num!)er  two  order. 

Quantity,  second  class. 

Quality,  first  class. 

Up  to  her  time. 


No.  14. — Flanders  cow,  first  order. 

Quantity,  good. 

Quality,  fiiir. 

Within  a  month  of  her  time. 
No.  15. — Flanders  cow,  second  order. 

Quantity,  about  12  quarts. 
Quality,  not  very  fine. 


No.  16. — Selvage  cow,  first  order. 
First  class  every  way. 

No.  17. — Flanders  cow,  second  order. 
Quantity  and  quality,  fair. 


No.  10. — Imported.    Four  j^ears.  Had  first     No.  10. — Decided  to  pass  her. 
calf  at    Centennial,   in   October,  and 
made  in  seven  days,  9  pounds  10  oimces. 

Quantity,  about  16  quarts. 

Quality,  excellent. 

Up  to  time.  Has  been  mil  king  two  years. 
No.  11. — Ten  years. 

Quantity,  second  highest  of  herd  ;  best. 

QuaJitj',  second  class.    Makes  about  10 
pounds. 

Full  up  to  her  time. 
No.  12.--  Four  years. 

Quantity,  second  rate. 

Quality,  second  rate ;  about  7  pounds. 

Milks  lo  three  months  of  her  time. 
No.  i5.— Six  years. 

Quantity,  number  one. 

Qualitj^  number  one. 

Full  up  to  time. 

At  seven   months   from   calf  gives  16 
quarts. 
No.  14. — Five  years. 

Quantity,  promises  fair. 

Quality,  good. 

No.  iJ.— Four  years.    Of  Niobe  stock,  the 
poorest. 

Quantity,  third  rate ;  6  quarts. 

Qualit}^,  good ;  second  rate. 

Up  to  her  time. 

Dropped  her  calf. 
No.  16. — Quantitj',  number  one. 

Quality,  number  one. 

Up  to  het  time. 
No.  17. — First  calf. 

Quantity,  number  one. 

Quality,  number  one. 

The  commission  and  Mr.  Durnall  agree  as  to  the  best  cow,  selected 
from  the  first  six  on  this  list — on  the  one  side  by  the  marks,  and  on  the 
other  from  his  knowledge. 

"Having  compared  the  annexed  account  of  the  qualities  of  the  seventeen  cows  of  my 
herd,  examined  by  the  State  Guenon  Commission,  with  the  originals  of  the  accounts  as 
given  by  both  parties  at  separate  times,  and  taken  down  upon  the  spot,  I  believe  it  to 
be  a  true  and  faithful  transcript  of  the  original  record  of  the  examination. 

Samuel  J.  Sharpless." 

Philadelphia,  May  20, 1878. 

"I  was  present  at  the  examination  of  Mr.  Sharpless'  herd  of  Jerseys,  made  on  the 
10th  of  May  by  the  State  Guenon  Commission,  and  having  examined  the  accounts  of 
the  herd  given  by  mo,  as  hereto  annexed,  with  the  original  entries  of  thoso  given  by 
me,  and  also  the  accounts  of  the  commission,  with  the  original  ■written  opinions,  do 
certify  that  the  annexed  are  faithful  transcripts  of  the  records  made  by  each  party  at 
separate  times,  and  that  the  statements  were  unknown  to  each  other. 

E.  J.  Durnall, 
Herdsman  for  Samuel  J.  iSharpless." 
Lenape  Farm,  May  20, 1878. 

The  Commission  at  Strodo's  Farm. 

The  members  of  the  Guenon  Commission  visited  the  dairy  farm  of  Mar- 
shall Strode  &  Son,  who  have  a  large  butter  factory,  and  are  celebrated 
for  their  first-class  butter,  and  they  examined  seventeen  head  of  grade 
dairy  stock,  and  according  to  the  testimony  of  Mr.  Strode,  who  accompa- 
nied them  in  their  examination,  were  successful  in  judging  according  to 
the  Guenon  system,  fifteen  cows  out  of  seventeen  examined.  Viewed 
May  10. 

Present,  Messrs.  Harvey,  Blight,  Hazard,  and  Edge. 


Report  of  Pennsylvania  Commission. 


Tl 


"Having  been  present  when  the  members  of  tbe'Guenon  Commission  examined 
seventeen  of  our  herd,  and  having  witnessetl  the  accuracy  with  which  tliey  determined 
tlie  quality  of  the  stoclv  inspected,  wo  bear  testimony  to 'the  fact  that  their  judgment 
was  correct,  according  to  our  experience  with  the  cows,  in  lifteen  cases  out  of  seven- 
teen, and  even  in  tlieso  two  they  were  partially  successful.  And  we  are  more  con- 
fii-med  in  our  previous  belief  in  the  value  of  the  S3''stcm,  as  we  never  buy  a  cow  for  a 
good  one  that  is  not  well  marked.    We  run  a  dairy  of  seventy-one  cows. 

Yours  truly, 

Marshall  Strode  &  Sons." 

East  Bradford,  May  15,  1878. 

Examination  cf  Thomas  M.  Harvey's  Stock  of  Jerseys  and  Guernseys,  May 

11,  1878.* 

This  herd  is  one  of  the  finest  in  the  State.  The  co"ws  are  kept  in  good 
condition,  and  being  well  fed,  the  yield  is  very  large  per  head.  Their  pro- 
duct is  first  class  butter,  and  should  bring  the  highest  price  in  the  market. 

The  commission  examined,  in  ad- 
dition to  the  twenty-five  cows  on  this 
list,  Mr.  Harvey's  Guernsey  imported 
bull  "  Sir  Champion,"  which  is  thor- 
oughly well  marked;  perhaps,  the 
best  marked  bull  in  the  country.  The 
value  of  his  get  is,  therefore,  very 
decided.  It  shows  most  conclusively 
the  importance  of  a  bull  from  good 
milking  stock,  and  that  he  should 
have  a  good  escutcheon.  The  im- 
portance of  a  good  sire  to  stamp  his 
qualities  upon  his  descendants  was 
conclusively  proved  by  Mr.  Harvey's 
younger  stock.  The  commission  ex- 
amined a  young  bull  of  seven  months 
age,  which  was  as  perfectly  and  beau- 
tifully marked  as  his  sire,  and  as 
nearly  the  same  shape  escutcheon  as 
his  sire's  as  could  possibly  be.  Mr. 
Harvey  has  since  sold  him  for  $100, 
to  Colonel  R.  M.  Hoe. 

Nos.  9^  and  9|  prove  also  the  gain 
to  a  herd  from  a  well  marked  bull. 
These  were  yearlings  of  Champion's 
get.  No.  9^  was  a  great  improve- 
ment upon  the  mother,  No.  9,  Carrie, 
of  this  list. 

In  the  statements  of  the  commis- 
sion as  to  quantity,  they  have  not 
mentioned  the  number  of  quarts,  as 
the  amounts  given  by  most  of  this 
herd  are  superior  to  the  generality, 
even  of  Guernseys ;  and,  owing  to 
good  selection  and  careful  handling 

by  their  owner,  the  commission  judge  that  the  number  of  quarts  would  be 

larger  than  usual. 

*In  this  exam)  nation  two  cowswhich  had  already  been  examinedand  reported  upon 
by  the  commission  were,  without  their  knowledge,  afterwards  brought  up  for  another 
exaniination,  in  ^^  hich  their  opinion  as  recorded,  aereed  almost  exactly  with  the  one 
previously  recorded,  thus  aftbrding  a  strong  prool  of  the  value  of  tlie  svstem.  See 
reports  of  Ko.  1,  Betsy,  and  Nos.  4  and  20,  Beauty.     (Secretary  of  Board  of  Agricul- 


iDscutcheon  of  Imported  Guernsey  Bull 
Sir  Champion." 


72 


GuENON  ON  MiLcn  Cows. 


Stock  of  Thomas  M.  Harvey.    Thom- 
as M.  Harvey's  Statement. 
No.  1. — Betsey. 

Quality,  medium. 
Quantity,  17  quarts. 
Never  dry. 

No.  $. — Nancy. 

Quality,  first  rate. 
Quantity,  16  quarts. 
Will  milk  up  to  calving. 
No.  S. — Claude. 

Quality,  first  rate. 

Quantity,  at  first,  18  quarts ;  but  at  six 

months,  8  quarts. 
Not  inclined  to  go  dry  altogether. 
No.  4.— Beauty. —  (Worth.) 

Quality,  first  rate. 
Quantity,  20  quarts. 
Almost  impossible  to  dry  off. 

No.  5.—ZiijIjA. 

Quality,  medium.* 
Quantity,  18  quarts. 
Never  dry. 

No.  5.— Cherry. 
Quality,  good. 

Quantity,  24  quarts. 
Will  milk  on. 
No.  7.— Echo. 

Quality,  medium. 
Quantity,  20  quarts. 
Does  not  go  dry. 
No.  *.— Minna. — Guernsey. 

Quality,  first  rate. 
Quantity,  17  quarts. 
Not  inclined  to  dry. 

No.  P.— Carrie. 

Quality,  first  rate. 

Qantity,  10  quarts. 

Will  go  dry  two  months. 
No.  10. — Gentle Jersey. 

Qualitj^,  first  rate. 

Quantity,  20  quarts. 

Dry  two  months. 
No.  ii.— Mary.— Grade,  Durham. 

Quality,  medium. 

Quantity,  18  quarts. 

Dry  two  months. 
No.  i^.— Eugenie.— Jersey. 

Qualitj^,  medium.* 

Quantity,  18  quarts. 

Does  not  dry. 
No.  J*.— Victoria Guernsey. 

Quality,  medium.* 

Quantity,  20  quarts. 

No  drying. 
No.  14 — Jennie. 

Quality,  good. 

Quantity,  20  quarts. 

One  month  dry. 


Stock  op  Thomas  M.  Harvey.    Opin- 
ion OF  THE  GUENON  COMMISSION. 

No.    1. — Betsey. — Jersey.       Curveline, 
No.  1. 

Quality,  first  rate. 

Quantity,  first  rate. 

Time  of  milking  ;  up  to  her  time. 

Second  examination  confirmed. 

No.  f. — Nancy Guernsey.     Flanders 

No.  2. 

Quality,  first  rate. 

Quantity,  first  rate. 

Six  weeks. 
No.S. — Claude. — Guernsey.    Curveline, 
3d. 

Quality,  first-class  for  rich  milk. 

Quantity,  not  large. 

Dry  three  months. 

No,  4. — Beauty. — (Worth.)     Curveline, 
1st. 

Quality,  first  class. 

Quantity,  large. 

Close  to  time. 

Reexamined — See  report  No.  20. 
No.  5. — ZiLLA. — Guernsey  grade. 

Imperfect  Selvage  of  low  order.    Irreg- 
ularly marked. 

Will  milk  well  for  few  months  only. 

A  good  shaped  cow. 

No.  5.— Cherry. — Half  Jersey. 
Good  milk. 

Milks  profusely,  and  keeps  herself  thin 
on  account  of  it. 

No.  7 Echo. — Grade,  Jersey.    Selvage, 

2d. 
Quality,  medium. 
Quantity,  medium. 
MillvS  up  pretty  well. 
No.  *.— Minna — Guernsey.     Curveline, 
2d. 
Quality,  good. 

Quantity,  good  mUker  until  within  two 
months  of  calving. 

No.  9. — Carrie.— Strangely  and  imper- 
fectly marked. 

Quality,  good. 

Quantitj'^,  poor. 

Dry  up  soon. 
No.  10. — Gentle. — Jersey.    Selvage,  1. 

Quality,  first  rate. 

Quantity,  large. 

Dry  sLk  weeks. 
No.  ii.— Mary. — Grade,  Durham.    Flan- 
ders, 1. 

Quality,  first  class. 

Quantit}^  good. 

Dry  six  weeks. 
No. i^.— Eugenie. — Jersey.  Curveline,2d. 

Quality,  first  rate. 

Quantity,  large. 

Dry  two  months 
No.  IS. — Victoria. — Guernsey.    Selvage. 

Quality,  medium. 

Quantity,  good  while  she  milks. 

Dry  two  months. 
No.  i^.- Jennie.    Ordinary  stock. 

Quality,  not  very  rich,  but  good. 

Quantity,  good. 

Dry  two  months. 


Report  of  Pennsylvania  Commission. 


IS 


Xo.  15 — Maggie,  2d— Young. 

Quality,  medium.* 
Quantity,  10  quarts. 
Dry  two  montlis. 
No.  16. — Rocket. 

Quality,  medium. 

Quantity,  15,  20,  to  25  quarts ;  variable. 
Dry  tlireo  months. 
No.  17 — Amy. 
Quality,  good.* 
Quantity,  14  quarts. 
Ten  weelis  dry. 

No.  i*.— COMI.Y. 

Quality,  first  rate. 
Quantity,  15  quarts. 
Dry  two  months. 
No.  19. — Kitty. 

Quality,  first  rate. 
Quantity,  16  quarts. 
Dry  six  weeks. 
No.  ;gO.— Beauty. 


Second  examination. 
See  No.  4. 
No.  ;?i.— RosETTA. — Guernsey,  imported. 

Quality,  first  rate.* 
Quantity,  18  quarts.. 
Does  not  go  dry. 
No.  22 Duchess.— Guernsey. 

Quality,  first  rate. 
Quantity,  20  quarts. 
Don't  go  dry. 
No.  ;?5.— Bridget. — Guernsey  grade. 

-Quality,  first  rate. 

Quantity,  14  to  18  quarts. 

Fails  when  pregnant.    Does  not  dry  alto- 
gether. 
No.  g^.— Fancy.— Guernsey. 

Quality,  medium. 

Quantity,  16  quarts,  and  fails  fast. 

Dry  three  months. 
No.  ;g5.— Daffy. — Grade,  Durham. 

Quality,  medium. 
Quantit5%  22  quarts. 
Does  not  dry. 


No.  i5.— Maggie,  2d.— Guernsey.     Flan- 
ders, 8d. 

Quality,  very  good. 

Quantitj%  medium  and  continuous. 

Dry  two  months. 
No.  16. — Rocket. — Grade,  Jersey.  Curve- 
line,  2d. 

Quality,  rich. 

Quantity,  good. 

Dry  two  months. 
No.  i7.— Amy.— Kentucky  Short-Horn. 

Quality,  medium. 

Quantity,  poor. 

Dry  three  months. 
No.  18 — CoMLY.— Guernsey.  Selvage,  3d. 

Quality,  first  late. 

Quantity,  good  and  continuous. 

Dry  six  weeks. 
No.  19. — Kitty. — Guernsey  and   Jersey 
grades.    Bicorn,  2d. 

Quality,  first  class. 

Quantity,  first  rate. 

Milks  well  up. 
No.  g(?.— Beauty.— Guernsey.  Curveline, 
1st. 

Quality,  first  class. 

Quantity,  first  class.    Milks  well  up. 

This  is  the  second  examination. 

See  No.  4. 
No.  21. — Rosetta — Guernsey,  imported. 
Flanders. 

Quality,  excellent. 

Quantity,  fair  milker, 

Dry  two  months. 
No.  22. — Duchess. — Guernsey,  imported. 
Curveline,  2d. 

Quality,  medium. 

Quantity,  large. 

Dry  two  months. 
No.  23. — Bridget.  Guernsey  grade.  Sel- 
vage, 4th. 

Quality,  good. 

Quantity,  poor. 

Dry  three  months  or  ten  weeks. 

No.  g^.— Fancy. —Guernsey.    Selvage. 

Quaiitj',  medium. 

Quantity,  poor. 

Dry  two  months. 
^^0.^5.— Daffy. — Grade,  Durham.    Flan- 
ders, 1st. 

Quality,  good. 

Quantity,  about  24  quarts. 

Milks  her  full  time. 


In  the  above  account  will  be  noticed  a  few  with  the  mark  *  which  Mr.  Harvey  said  indicates  that  the 
amount  of  milk  given  and  the  quality  was  largely  increased  by  extra  feeding. 

"I  was  present  at  the  examination  of  our  herd  of  Guernseys,  Jerseys,  and  grades,  by 
the  Guenon  Commission,  on  the  eleventh  of  fifth  month,  1878,  and  I  have  examined 
their  report  and  compared  it  with  the  originals  Avritten  on  the  spot,  (the  contents  of 
which  were  before  now  unknown  to  me.)  and  I  testify  to  the  annexed  report  being  an 
accurate  copy  of  the  opinions  recorded  by  them  at  the  time  of  examination.  The 
statements  made  by  me  were  handed  to  members  of  the  commission  on  twenty-first 
instant,  and  are  as  nearly  accurate  as  my  own  knowledge,  and  that  of  the  persons  who 
had  the  immediate  care  of  the  herd,  and  an  interest  in  the  proceeds  of  the  dairy,  could 
make  them. 

Thos.  M.  Harvey." 

West  GRO^•E,  27th  of  5th  month,  1878. 

"  Having  had  the  immediate  care  of  the  herd  of  Thomas  M.  Harvey,  and  an  interest 
ill  the  proceeds  of  the  dairy  for  six  years,  and  being  well  acquainted  with  the  merits 
of  each  member  of  the  herd,  I  can  certify  that  the  statements  we  have  made  to  the 


•74 


GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 


Guenon  Commission  are  correct  to  the  best  of  our  kno-vrledgo  and  belief,  and  were 
made  more  than  a  week  after  the  comnii.s.sion  had  recorded  their  opinions;  wliich 
opinions  were  unknown  to  us  until  the  present  time.  I  have  also  compared  tlie  record 
of  opinions  herewith  with  the  originals,  and  find  them  to  bo  a  correct  transcript  of 
them. 

Clarksox  Moore." 
"  Having  had  the  immediate  care  of  the  herd  within  alluded  to.  and  an  interest  in  tlie 
proceeds  thereof  for  the  past  eleven  months,  I  can  certify  that  I  luiited  with  Clarkson 
Moore  in  making  the  statement  relative  to  the  quality  and  productivenes-s  of  tlio  cows 
examined  by  the  Guenon  commission.  I  was  from  home  when  they  were  here,  and 
knew  nothing  of  their  opinions  when  we  made  up  our  statement. 

Zebedee  Haines." 
Fifth  month,  28th,  1878. 
"  I  was  present  on  Saturday,  March  11,  1878,  at  the  farm  of  Thomas  M.  Harvey,  when 
the  examination  of  that  portion  of  his  herd  was  made  by  the  Guenon  Commisision, 
from  Nos.  10  to  25,  inclusive,  of  their  report.     I  have  compared  the  original  recorded 
opinions  of  the  commission  with  the  report  herewith,  and  find  the  latter  correct. 

N.  J.  Sharples, 
President  of  the  Experimental  Farm  Club." 


Examination  of  ■William  M.  Large's  Herd,   Chestnut   Grove,   Doylestown, 

Bucks  County. 

The  commission,  as  represented  by  George  Blight  and  Willis  P.  Hazard, 
visited  the  beautiful  farm  of  William  M.  Large,  on  the  afternoon  of  May- 
Si — on  a  very  rainy,  unpleasant  day,  and  making  the  examination  of  stock 
a  very  difficult  duty.  The  stock  is  a  valuable  one  of  thorough-bred  and 
grade  Short-Horns  and  is  well  fed  and  otherwise  well  cared  for. 

Wm.  M.  Large's  Account  of  his  Herd.  Opinions  of  the  State  Guenon  Com- 
mission. 


No.  i.— Victoria. 

Quantity,  18  quarts. 

Never  tried  her  on  butter  but  once,  then 

made  lOJ  pounds. 
Goes  dry  two  months  to  ten  weeks. 

No.  2 Josephine. 

The  Doylestown  Agricultural  Society  of- 
fered a  premium  of  $J5  for  the  cow  that 
yielded  the  most  butter :  and  also  $25  for 
the  cow  that  gave  the  most  milk.  The 
largest  yield  for  a  single  week  IG  pounds 
3  ounces.  Was  tried  tive  times  during 
the  year,  two  months  apart;  taking  the 
average  of  the  five  consecutive  trials, 
would  make  a  trille  over  600  pounds. 
Awarded  the  first  premium  for  butter, 
and  second  for  milk. 
Lost  the  record  of  pounds  of  milk. 
Dry  about  one  month. 

No.  5.— Fanny  Fern. 

Quantity,  nineteen  quarts. 

Quality,  never  tried  her  butter  produc- 
tion. 

Goes  dry  five  or  six  weeks. 
No.  4.— Lett  IE. 

Quantity  nine  quarts. 

Quality,  never  tried   her   butter  quali- 
ties, but  lier  milk  is  rich  and  good. 

Goes  dry  about  three  mouth.s. 
No.  5.— NORAII. 

Quantity,  frcsli,  gives  seventeen  quarts  ; 
holds  to  it  well. 

Quality,  has  made  10  pounds  butter  in  a 
week. 

Goes  dry  about  two  months. 


No.    1. — Victoria  .—Short-Horn.     Flan- 
ders, first  order. 
Quantity,  about  eighteen  quarts. 
Qualitj',  good. 

Up  to  her  time — say  one  montli. 
No.  2. — J  o  s  E  p  H  I  N  E. — Thorough-bred 
Short-Horn.    Flanders,  second  order. 


Quantity,  eighteen  quarts. 
Quality,  very  good. 
About  one  month  dry. 
No.  ^.— Fanny  Fern.— Flanders,  first  or- 
der. 

Quantity,  twenty  quarts. 
Quality,  first  rate. 

About  up  to  time,  (one  month.) 
No.  4. — Lettie. — Selvage,  filth  order. 
Quantit3^  eight  quarts. 
Quality,  second  rate. 

Dry  four  months.       » 
No.  5. — NoRAU. — Flanders,  imperfect. 
Quantity,  eighteen  quarts. 

Quality,  good. 

Drj'  three  months. 


Report  of  Pennsylvania  Commission. 


lb 


No.  5.— Lucy. 

Quantity,  thirteen  quarts. 

Quality,  a  less  nunil^er  of  pounds  will 
make  a  pound  of  butter  than  most  of 
mj'  other  cows ;  think  her  milk  extra 
good. 

Dry  Some  two  months. 
2\o.  7. — Bernice. 

Quantity,  when  fresh,  about  twelve 
quarts. 

Quality,  never  tried  her  butter  produc- 
tion.' 

Goes  dry  some  three  months,  and  has 
tJie  credit  of  being  the  poorest  cow  in 
the  herd. 
No.  *.— .JosKPHiNE  2d.— First  calf. 

Quantitj'-,  tirst  calf,  eleven  quarts. 

Quality,  never  weighed  lier  milk  or  tried 
lior   butter  production. 
Cannot  tell  how  long  she  will  go  dry. 
No.    9.— Judith. 

Quantity,  seventeen  quarts. 

Quality,  on  a  trial  after  her  first  calf 
was  taken  away,  made  2  ounces  less 
than  8  pounds  of  butter,  done  up  in 
lumps  for  market. 

Goes  dry  six  or  seven  weeks. 


No.  6. — Lucy. — Flanders,  fourth. 
Quantity,  fourteen  quarts. 
Quality,  good,  very. 


Dry  three  months. 

No.  7. — Bernice Flanders,  second. 

Quantity,  twelve  quarts. 

Quality,  good. 

Time,  eight  months  out  of  twelve. 


No. 8. — Josephine  2d. — Curveline,  third. 
Quantit}'-,  ten  to  twelve  quarts. 
Quality,  rich. 

Goes  to  two  months  of  her  time. 
No.  9.— Judith.— Flanders,  first. 
Quantity,  eighteen  quarts. 
Quality,  good. 


Well  np  to  her  time  (one  month  or  six 
weeks. ) 


"  Having  been  present  at  the  examination  of  my  herd  of  Short-Horns,  by  the  State  Gue- 
non  Commission,  jNIaj^Sl,  1878,  I  certifj'  this  report  is  a  correct  copy  of  the  original 
records  made  on  the  spot,  and  at  separate  times  ;  neither  i^arty  having  Ivnowledge  of 
the  other's  accounts. 

William  M.  Large." 

Chestnut  Grove,  7th  month,  sd,  187S. 


Report  of  the  Examination  of  the  Stock  of  Eastburn  Reeder,  of  Babbit  Run 
Stock  Farm,  New  Hope,  Bucks  County,  Pa. 

The  commission  visited  the  farm  of  Eastburn  Reeder  on  Saturday, 
June  1 ,  and  examined  his  stock  of  Jersey  and  Guernsey  breeds  in  pres- 
ence of  the  proprietor  and  a  number  of  members  of  the  Solebury  Farmers' 
Club.  Mr.  Reeder's  account  of  his  herd  had  been  drawn  up  and  placed  in 
the  hands  of  J.  S.  Williams,  Esquire,  secretary  of  the  Solebury  Farmers' 
Club,  some  ten  days  before  the  visit  of  the  commission,  and  is  printed 
herewith. 

The  commission  was  represented  by  George  Blight  and  Willis  P.  Haz- 
ard, and  part  of  the  time  by  Captain  J.  C.  Morris,  of  Susquehannna  county, 
at  the  request  of  Thomas  J.  Edge,  secretary  of  the  State  Board. 

Mr.  Reeder,  not  having  made  in  his  report  any  statements  of  the  quality 
of  the  milk,  except  as  regards  the  yield  in  butter,  has  sent  the  commission 
the  following  condensed  statement  of  what  each  cow  gave  on  May  20 : 


No.  1,  Belle, 10  quarts. 

No.  2,  Topsv 14       " 

No.  3,  Firefiv, 12       " 

No.  4,  Isabeile, 8       " 

No.  5,  Marian, 14       " 

No.  G,  Urania, 12       " 

Yield  of  the  herd.  May  20,    .   .  94  quarts. 
Yield  of  the  herd   in  seven 

days, 658       " 


No.  7,  Florentia, 10  quarts. 

No.  8,  Paunacussing, 8       " 

No.  9,  Lady  Delaware,    ....     6       " 


Total  for  nine  cows,  . 


94 


Butter  in  seven  days, 67  pounds. 

Quantity  of  milk  to  one  pound 
of  butter, 9|5  qts. 

This  statement  of  the  number  of  quarts  required  to  make  a  pound  of 
butter  from  Jersey  and  Guernsey  stock,  it  will  be  seen,  carries  out  the  con- 
clusions of  the  commission,  who  estimated  the  quality  of  this  herd,  as 


76 


GuENON  ON  MiLcn  Cows. 


■well  fed  and  not  too  long  milked  stock  of  these  breeds  should  give  a  pound 
of  butter  to  every  nine  quarts  of  milk. 

"Having  been  present  at  the  examination  of  my  herd  by  the  State  Guenon  Commis- 
sion, on  Saturdaj%  June  1, 1878,  and  having  since  examined  their  report  by  the  original 
record  made  on  the  spot  by  them,  and  compared  it  with  my  account'of  the  herd, 
handed  to  Mr.  J.  S.  Williams,  May  21,  or  more  than  one  week  before  thej'  made  the 
examination,  I  do  certify  that  the  accompanying  report  is  correct  and  true. 

Eastburn  Reeder, 
New  Hope,  Bucks  county,  Pa." 
Rabbit  Run  Farm,  June  15,  1878. 

"I  certify  that  Eastburn  Reeder  handed  me  his  account  of  his  herd  ten  days  boibre 
the  examination  was  inade  by  the  State  Guenon  Commission ;  that  I  was  present  with 
others  at  tlie  examination ;  that  the  two  reports  were  compared  in  the  presence  of  a 
number,  shortly  after  the  examination,  and  were  generally  satisfactory ;  and  that  I 
have  now  examined  the  accompanying  reports  by  the  two  original  records,  made  at 
separate  times  as  above  mentioned,  and  have  found  them  correct  and  true  copies  of 
said  original  records. 

J.  S.  Williams, 
Secretary  of  the  Solehury  Farmers^  Club." 
June  15,  1878. 


Examination  of  Eastburn  Reader's  Herd. 


Accounts  of  the  Herd  by  Eastburn 

Reeder. 
No.  1. — Bell. — Age,  12   years.     Grade, 
Alderney.  Calved  November  10,  1877. 
Greatest  yield  when  f  resli,  IG  quarts  jjer 
day.  Yield  May  20, 1878,  10  quarts  per 
day.    Butter,  8  pounds  in  seven  days. 
Tried  February,  1875. 
Milks  to  one  month  of  calving. 
No.  2 — TOPSY.— Age,   10  years.    Guern- 
sey.   Calved  March  9,  1878. 
Greatest  yield  when  fresh,   18  quarts. 
Yield  May  20,  1878,  14  quarts.    Made 
12  pounds  in  seven  da  vs. 
Tried  Jmie,  1872. 

Goes  dry  three  months  before  calving. 
No.  5.— Firefly,  (1133.)— Age,  8  years. 
Jersey.  Calved  October  28,  1877. 
Greatest  yield  wlien   fresh,  14   quarts. 
YieldMay20, 1878, 12 quarts.  Averaged 
6  pounds  butter  for  forty  weeks,  from 
Sept.  1,  1872,  to  Junes,  1873.    Greatest 
yield  of  butter  in  any  one  week  since, 
10|  pounds. 

Never  goes  dry ;    has  been  milked  reg- 
ularly since  August  27,  1872. 
No.  4. — Isabelle,  (1935.)— Age,  6  years. 
Jersey.    Calved  September  19, 1877. 

Greatest  yield  when  fresh,  12  quarts. 
Yield  May  20,  1878,  8  quarts.  Made  9 
pounds  butter  in  seven  days. 

Tried  October,  1877. 

Milks  to  one  month  of  calving. 
No.  5.-  -Marian. — Ago.  (J  years.    Guern- 
sey.   Calved  February  15,  1878. 

Greatest  yield  when  fresh,  14  quarts. 
Yield  May  20,  14  quarts. 

Butter  never  boon  tested. 

Milks  to  within  one  month  of  calving. 

No.  5.— Urania,    (2793.)— Ago,  5  years. 

Jersey.    Calved  January  30,  1878. 

Greatest  yield  when  fresh,  12  quarts. 
Yield  May  20,  12  quarts. 

Butter  never  been  tested. 

Milks  to  one  month  of  calving. 


Opinions  of  the  Herd  by  the  Guenon 

Commission. 
No.  i.— Bell.— Grade,  Alderney.    Flan- 
ders, 2d. 
Quantity,  18  to  20  quarts. 


Quality,  fair. 
Dry  three  to  four  months. 
No.  2. — TopsY Guernsey.  Curveline,  2d. 


Quantity,  IG  to  18  quarts. 


Quality,  first  rate. 
Dry  two  months. 
No.  8. — Firefly. — Jersey  thorough-bred. 
Demijohn,  2d.  Daughter  of  Niobe,  3d. 
Quantity,  12  to  14  quarts. 


Quality,  medium. 
Dry  two  months. 

No.  .^.—Isabelle.— Jersey  thorough 
bred.    Flanders,  3d. 
Quantity,  16  quarts. 


Quality,  first  rate. 
Dry  one  month. 

No.  5 Marian Guernsey.    Curveline, 

3d. 
Quantity,  IG  quarts. 

Quality,  first  rate. 
Dry  two  months  to  three  months. 
No.  6. — Urania.— Jersey  thorough-bred. 
Selvage,  2d. 
Quantity,  14  quarts. 

Quality,  second  rate. 
Dry  one  month. 


Report  of  Pennsylvania  Commission. 


77 


A'o.7.—Florentia,  (3318.)— Age,  4  years. 
.Jersej\    Calved  January  1,  1878. 
Greatest  yield,  10  quarts.  Yield  May  20, 

10  quarts. 
Butter  never  \)een  tested. 
Milks  to  one  month  of  ca'.ving. 
No.  5.— Paunacu.ssixg,   (5050.)— Age,  2 
years.  Jersey.  Calved  October  30, 1877. 
Yield,  May  21,  1878,  8  quarts. 

Duration  yet  to  bo  ascertained. 
No,  9. — Lady  Dkiaware,  (5051.) — Age, 
2  years.  Tliorougli-bred  Jersey.  Calved 
January  3,  1878. 
Yield  May  21,  1878,  6  quarts. 

Duration  yet  to  be  ascertained. 


No.    7.— Fi.ORENTiA. — Jersey    thorough- 
bred.   Curve/ ine,  2d. 
Quantity,  12  quarts. 

Quality,  second  rate. 
Dry  one  month. 
No.   8.  —  Paunacussing. — Jersey     thor- 
ough-bred.   Selvage,  2d. 
Quantity,  12  quarts. 
Quality j^  niediiun. 
Dry  two  months,  probably. 
No.  9. — Lady  Delaware.— Jei-soy  thor- 
ough-bred.   Flanders,  3d. 

Quantity,  only  milks  out  of  two  teats. 

Quality,  medium. 

Dry  three  months,  probably. 


Examination  of  Moses  Eastburn's  Cow,  Beauty. 


Account  of  Moses  Eastburn. 

Cow,  Beauty.— Age,  9  years.  Calved 
March  20,  1878. 

Greatest  yield  of  milk  per  dav  about  17 
or  18  quarts.  Yield  May  24,  1878,  16 
quarts.  Duration  of  yield  of  mUk,  ten 
months. 

Quality  of  milk,  9  quarts  to  make  a  pound 
of  butter.  Butter  made  in  eight  and 
a  half  months,  302^  pounds. 


Opinions  of  the  Commission. 
Beauty. — Jersey.    Curveline,  2d. 

Quantity,  18  quarts. 

Quality,  first  class. 
Time,  well  up  to  her  time. 


"  This  is  to  certify  that  I  was  present  at  the  examination  of  my  cow.  Beauty,  this  first 
of  sixth  month,  1878,  by  the  committee  to  test  the  Guenou  system,  and  find  their  re- 
port to  correspond  with  the  within  statement. 

MosBS  Eastbukn." 
SoLEBUBY,  Bucks  county. 

Examination  of  Colonel  James  Young's  Herd,  at  Middletown. 

The  Commission  visited  the  large  farms  of  Colonel  James  Young,  near 
Middletown,  and  examined  thirty-seven  head  of  cows  and  heifers,  among 
■which  were  some  of  the  finest  Jersey  cows  in  the  State.  His  whole  stock 
is  well-fed  and  cared  for,  and  are  in  fine  condition.  He  supplies  Middle- 
town  with  the  best  of  milk.  Colonel  Young  does  not  keep  a  record  of 
the  performances  of  his  cows,  and  the  commision  were  therefore  obliged 
to  examine  the  cows,  and  after  making  their  record,  to  compare  it,  item 
by  item  of  each  cow  separately,  with  the  knowledge  of  them  had  by  his 
very  intelligent  dairy-woman,  who  has  charge  of  the  cows  and  the  milk, 
and  knows  their  characters  as  milk  and  butter  producers  well ;  also  has  a 
record  of  the  times  of  calving  of  all  the  cows.  The  estimates  of  the  com- 
mission agreed  with  hers,  on  all  the  hundred  and  eleven  points,  except 
nine  points,  and  where  they  difiered,  that  difierence  was  in  two  ca'ses  on 
the  quality,  and  in  the  other  cases  on  the  time.  The  commission  attribute 
their  unanimity  on  this  herd,  to  the  careful  selection  and  breeding 
of  Colonel  Young,  to  his  good  feeding,  and  the  excellent  care  that  the  ani- 
mals have.  These  points  constantly  looked  after,  maintain  the  excellence 
of  the  herd,  and  as  a  consequence  the  escutcheons  correspond,  for,  as  the 
colonel  says,  ''  he  never  saw  a  good  escutcheon  without  being  on  a  good 
animal,  and  never  saw  a  good  animal  without  a  good  escutcheon." 

Middletown,  November  1, 1878. 

"  We  were  present  when  the  commission  visited  our  farms,  and  examined  the  stook, 
and  we  think  they  judged  rightly  of  it,  in  nearly  every  case — we  should  say  within 
five  per  cent,  of  being  entirely  correct. 

Wo  have  examined  the  account  to  be  printed  with  the  original  record,  and  find  it  to 
be  correct  and  corresponding, 

James  Young, 
James  S.  Young."' 


78  GuENON  ON  MiLcn  Cows. 


Examination  of  the  Herd  of  ■William  Calder,  Esq.,  Harrisburg. 

The  commission  visited  one  of  the  farms  of  William  Calder,  near  Har- 
risburg. This  gentleman  has  seven  farms,  containing  nine  hundred  acres, 
and  keeps  a  variety  of  stock.  On  the  farm  visited,  near  the  reservoir,  the 
commission  examined  eight  head  of  grade  stock,  in  very  good  order,  on 
good  September  pasturage.  The  dairyman,  a  very  intelligent  man,  had 
no  record  of  the  exact  quantitj'^  and  quality  of  the  stock,  but,  as  he 
mdked  them  himself,  a  knowledge  of  their  general  qualities ;  and  upon 
hearing  the  decision  of  the  commission  upon  each  cow,  assented  to  the 
character  given  of  all  of  them,  except  on  two  points  :  on  one  as  to  yield, 
and  on  another  as  to  time.  It  was  pleasing  to  notice  the  surprise  and  de- 
light expressed  by  him  at  the  exhibition,  of  entire  strangers  to  the  herd, 
of  such  accurate  knowledge  of  them  as  the  system  showed  it  could  give. 
And  he  determined  to  acquire  it  forthwith. 

The  commission  saw  a  very  fine  black  grade  cow,  with  the  calf  by  her 
side  a  perfect  specimen  of  the  Belted  stock,  though  sired  by  a  thorough- 
bred Jersey  bull — to  be  accounted  for  only  by  the  fact  that  the  cow  had 
been  served  by  a  Belted  bull  the  third  time  before  this  one. 

Examination  of  Several  Herds  near  West  Grove,  Blanketed  and  Unblank- 
eted,  under  the  Supervision  of  a  Committee  of  the  Experimental  Farm 
Club. 

It  had  been  stated  by  some  that  the  commission  used  the  ordinary  means 
of  judging  of  the  value  of  cows,  in  addition  to  the  Guenon  tests.  This  was, 
of  course,  entirely  denied  by  the  commission;  and  as  it  was  repeated  in 
the  public  print,  the  commission,  to  settle  the  matter  in  the  minds  of  can- 
did men,  offered  to  have  any  number  of  cows  blanketed,  so  that  only  their 
posteriors  could  be  seen,  and  then  judge  of  their  escutcheons,  provided  a 
committee  should  be  present  at  the  examination,  view  it  closely,  and  give 
a  report.  Thus  pressed,  the  challenge  was  accepted,  and  there  was  ap- 
pointed a  committee  of  five  of  some  of  the  best  farmers  and  dair3'men 
residing  near  the  Experimental  farm.  It  was  also  understood  that  any 
could  attend  who  wished  to,  and  on  the  day  of  the  examination  three 
of  the  committee  were  present,  as  well  as  a  number  of  other  farmers.  The 
commission  examined  the  first  five  in  the  stable,  blanketed,  then  two 
unblanketed,  then  two  blanketed,  and  the  remaining  four  unblanketed 
The  report  of  this  committee  is  appended  herewith.  The  cows  were  ex- 
amined on  a  farm  of  Thomas  Gawthrop,  near  West  Grove.  Afterward  a 
number  of  cows  were  examined  on  several  farms  in  the  neighborhood,  in 
the  presence  of  the  committee.  No  longer  time  was  required  to  form  an 
opinion  on  the  blanketed  cows  than  on  the  others,  and  the  comparative 
results  can  be  judged  from  the  accompanying  tables. 

The  commission  met  them  on  the  day  appointed,  at  the  farm  of  Thomas 
Gawthrop,  and  in  the  presence  of  the  committee  (three  being  present,) 
and  of  others,  examined  seven  cows  blanketed,  and  would  have  examined 
more,  but  the  committee  said  it  was  useless,  as  they  could  see,  and  had 
full  faith  that  only  the  escutcheon  was  considered  by  the  commission.  On 
this  farm  thirteen  head  were  examined,  and  the  results  are  herewith  given. 
All  then  adjourned  to  the  farms  of  Mark  Hughes,  Howard  Preston,  and 
Everard  Conard,  and  examined  other  stock  in  the  presence  of  the  commit- 
tee. The  committee's  report  will  be  found  annexed,  thus  setting  to  rest 
the  charge  that  the  commission  were  examining  by  any  other  than  the 
Guenon  test. 


Report  of  Pennsylvania  Commission. 


79 


Thomas  Gawthrop's  account  of  Cows 
Examined  at  Thomas  Gawthrop's 
Farm,  September  20. 

^o.  i.— Victoria — Grade,   Jersey  and 
Durham. 

Quantity,  first. 

Quality,  first. 

A  first-class  butter  cow,  and  milks  well 
up  to  tiule. 
JVo.  3. — Cecil.— Grade,  Jersey. 

Quantity,  first. 

Quality,  first.    First-class  for  butter. 

Milks  up  to  time. 
No. .?.— ISIellie. 

Quantity,  second. 

Qualit}',  second. 

Dry  from  ten  to  twelve  weeks. 
Eo.  4. — Lucy. — Recently  purchased. 

Yields  three  months  from  calving  thir- 
teen quarts. 

Quality,  first. 

No.  5. — Lily. — Grade,  Jersey. 

Quantit.y,  second. 

Quality,  first. 

Milks  up  to  time. 
No.  6. — Beauty. — Jersey. 

Yields  fourteen  quarts  per  day. 

Quality,  first. 

Milks  to  within  eight  weeks  of  calving. 
No.  7. — Darbv. — Jersey. 

Quantity,  fourteen  quarts  per  day. 

Quality,  first. 

Almost  impossible  to  turn  dry,  though 
never  excelling  in  quantity. 
A'o.  S. — Star. — Grade,  three  quarter  Jer- 
sey. 

Y'ield  with  first  calf  from  twelve  to  four- 
teen quarts  per  daj',  and  milks  well 
up  to  time. 

Quality,  first  class. 


No.  9 NORAH. 

Quantity,  first, 

Quality,  first. 

Dry  from  eight  to  ten  weeks. 
No.  10.  Sallie.J 

Quantity,  second. 
Quality,  second. 
Goes  drv  eiglit  weeks. 
No.  ii.— DiDO.J— Grade. 
Quantity,  twenty  quarts. 
Second  in  quality. 
Dry  from  eight  to  twelve  weeks. 

JV^O.i:?.— MOLLY.J 

Yields  about  sixteen  quarts  per  day. 
Second-class  quality. 
Dry  from  eiglit  to  twelve  weeks. 
No.  IS.  Whiteface.J 

Second-class  in  quantity,  fifteen  quarts 

per  day. 
Second  quality. 
Dry  about  ten  weeks. 


Thk  Guenon  Commission's  Account  op 
Cows  Examined  at  Thomas  Gaw- 
throp's Farm,  September  20. 

No.  1 — Victoria.* — Grade,    Jersey   and 
Durham.    Eight  years. 
Quantity,  first. 
Quality,  first. 
Up  to  her  time. 

No.  2 — Cecil.* 

Quantity,  first. 

Quality,  first. 

Short  eight  weeks. 
No.  S. — Nellie.* — Demijohn,  1. 

Quantit3%  second. 

Quality,  first. 

Short  eiglit  weeks. 
No.  4.— Lucy.*— Flanders,  2d. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  first. 

Up  to  her  time. 
No.  5 — Lily.*— Grade,  Jersey.  Flanders. 
2d. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  first. 

Dry  four  to  six  weeks. 
No.  e.— Beauty. — Jersey.  Fiveyearsold. 

Quantity,  third. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  two  months. 
No.  7.— Darby.— Jersey.    Flanders,  2d. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  first. 

Dry  four  weeks. 

No.  5.— Star  t— Grade,  three  quarter  Jer- 
sey.   Flanders,  3d. 
Quantity,  second. 


Quality,  first.  . 

Dry  six  weeks. 

Her  Jersey  blood   helps  to  overcome 
some  blemishes  on  her  escutcheon. 
No.  5.— Nora  H.f— Grade. 

Quantity,  first. 

Quality,  first. 

Up  to  her  time. 
No.  10. — Sallie. — Grade.    Twelve  years. 
Flanders,  2d. 

Quantity,  2d. 

Quality,  second. 

Up  to  her  time. 
No.  ii.— Dido. — Grade.    Left  Flanders. 

Quantity,  first. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  three  months. 
No.  12. — Molly.    Imperfect  Flanders. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  ten  weeks. 
No.  13.— W  H I  t  E  F  a  c  E Grade.   Curve- 
line,  3d. 

Quantity,  third. 

Quality,  second. 
Dry  ten  weeks. 


*  These  five  cows  were  so  blanketed,  as  to  show  only  the  escutcheon. 
t  Tliese  cows  were  also  blankated. 

t  The  last  four  animals  were  not  blanketed,  but  were  driven  up  and  examined  by  the  commission 
without  any  apparent  reference  to  any  marks,  except  the  escutcheon.    T.  G. 


80 


GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 


Mark  Hughes'  Account  of  his  Cows, 
September  20. 

No.  i.— Lacte. 

Do  not  know  the  quantity  of  milk  and 
butter  per  week,  but  gives  very  rich 
niilk,  and  milks  up  to  calving. 
No.  2.  Laura. 

Quantity,  twenty-four  quarts  milk  per 
day. 

Quality,  sixteen  pounds  butter  week. 

Has  never  been  dry;  begins  to  increase 
in  milk  about  three  weeks  before  calv- 
ing, and  cannot  be  turned  dry. 

No  .  S TOPSY. 

Quantity,  twenty  quarts  milk  per  day. 
Quality,  makes  thirteen  ponnds  butter 

per  week. 
Will  milk  up  to  calving. 


Howard  Preston's  Account  of  His 
Cows. 


No.  1. — Grade  Durham. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Milks  up  to  her  time. 
No.  g.— Grade  Durham. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  ten  weeks. 
No.  ^.—Common  stock. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  eight  to  ten  weeks. 
No.  4. — Grade  Durham. 

Quantity,  third. 

Quality',  second. 

Dry  ten  weeks. 
No.  5. — Common  stock. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  three  months. 
No.  e.— Grade  Durham. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  eight  weeks. 
No.  7.— Grade  Durham. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  third. 

Dry  ten  weeks. 
No. ,?.— Nelly — Grade  Jersey. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  eight  weeks. 
No.  9. — Jessie.— Grade  Jersey. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Milks  up  to  time. 
No.  i«.— Polly.— Grade  Jersey. 

Quantity,  first. 
Quality,  fir.st. 
Mil  Its  up  to  her  time. 
No.  ii.— Lily.— Common  stock. 

Quantity,  first. 
Quality,  lirst. 
Dry  eight  weeks. 


commissions  Account  of  Mark 
Hughes'  Cows. 

No.  1. — Lacte. — Jersey  thorough-bred. 
Flanders,  second. 
Quantity  and  quality,  first  rate. 

MUks  close  to  calving. 
No.  2. — L  aura  . — Jersey  thorough-bred. 
Demijohn,  1st. 
Quantity,  first  rate. 

Quality,  first  class. 
MUks  up  to  calving. 


No.  3. — Topsy.— Grade,  Jersey.  Ten  years. 
Curveline,  1st. 
Quantity  and  quality,  first  rate. 


Milks  up  to  calving. 


GuENON  Commission's  Account  op 
Howard  Preston's  Cows,  Septem- 
ber 20. 

No.  1. — Flanders,  2d. — Grade  Durham. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Up  to  time. 
No.  2. — Left  Flanders.- Grade  Durham. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  two  months. 
No.S. — Grade  stock. — Imperfect  Flanders. 

Quantity',  third. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  eight  weeks. 
No.  4 — Grade  Durham — Selvage,  2d. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  ten  weeks. 
No.  6. — Native  stock. — Flanders,  3d. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  third. 

Dry  three  months. 
No.  <5.— Grade  Durham. — Flanders,  3d. 

Quantity,  tliird. 

Quality,  third. 

Dry  six  to  eight  weeks. 
No.  7. — Grade  Durham. — Bicorn,  3d. 

Quantity  third. 

Quality,  second. 

Time,  eight  weeks. 
No.    8. — Nelly. — Grade    Jersey. — Flan- 
drino  a  Gauche. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Time,  eight  weeks. 
No.  9. — Jessie.— Grade  Jersey.— Selvage. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  first. 

Up  to  time. 
No.    iC— Polly.— Grade  Jersey.— Flan- 
ders, 2d. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality  i^  second. 

Up  to  Irme. 

No.  11 Lily Native  stock.— Flanders, 

2d. 

Quantitj%  first. 

Quality,  first. 

Dry  four  to  six  weeks. 


Report  of  Pennsylvania  Commission. 


81 


Xo.  i2.—Bi.usH.— Grade  Jersey. 

Quantity,  first. 
Quality,  first. 
Dry  six  weeks. 
JVo.  ]j.—TopsY.— Grade  Jersey. 

Qiiaritity,  second. 
Quality,  second. 
Dry  threo  months. 
yo.  i^.— Bonnie.— Common  stock. 

Quantity,  first. 
Quality,  first. 
Milks  up  to  her  time. 
No.  15 Daisy Common  stock. 

Quantity,  third. 
Quality,  second. 
Dry  tliree  months  or  more. 
No.  iff.— Katik.— Common  stock. 

Quantity,  third. 
Quality,  second. 
Dry  six  weeks. 


No.  J^.— Blttsh. — Grade  Jersey.    Curve- 
line,  2d. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quantity,  second. 

Dry  six\vooks. 

No.  IS ToPSY Imperfect  Cvirveline. — 

Grade  Jersey. 

Quantity,  third. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  threo  months. 
No.  i^.— Bonnie.— Flanders,  1st — Native 
stock. 

Quantity,  first. 

Quality,  second. 

Up  to  her  time. 
No.   i5.— Daisy. — Flanders,    3d. — Native 
stock. 

Quantity,  third. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  six  weeks. 
No.  i5.— Katie.— Flanders,  2d.— Native 
stock. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  lour  to  six  weeks. 


Joseph  Pyle's  Statement  op  his 
Cows: 
No.  1. — Fawn. 

Quantity,  10  to  15  quarts. 
Quality,  very  rich  milk. 
Dry  from  four  to  six  weeks. 
No.  I,— Fancy. 
Quantity,  16  to  18  quarts. 


I    GxTENON  Commission's  Account  of 
j  Joseph  Pyle's  Cows: 

\  No.l .—Red  Grade  Cow— 8  years.— Flan- 
I         ders,  2. 

Quantity,  14  or  15  quarts. 
Quality,  second. 
Dry  about  ten  weeks. 
No. ;?.— Fancy.— Guernsey.    Flanders,  3. 
Quantity,  18  quarts  when  fresh,  and  will 
begin  to  reduce  and  stop  two  months 
short  of  her  time. 
Quality,  first. 
Will  go  two  months  dry. 


Quality,  milk  very  good  quality. 
Falls  off  sooner  than  most  cows,  and  will 
go  dry  eight  weeks. 

This  cow  had  been  previously  examined,  May  11,  at  Thos.  M.  Harvey's 
farm.  Mr.  Harvey  had  since  sold  her  to  Mr.  Pyle.  The  following  are  the 
two  statements  at  that  time : 


T.  M.  Hakvey: 

Quality,  medium. 

Quantity,  16  quarts  and  fails  fast. 

Dry  three  months. 


GxJENON  Commission: 

Quality,  medium. 
Quantity,  poor. 
Dry  two  months. 


No.  1. 
1. 


Commission's  Account  of  Milton  E.  Conabd's  Cows: 

-Lily.— Grade,  Guernsey.  Bicorn,  I  No.  ^.— Floyd.— Flanders,  1. 

Quantity,  18  quarts. 


Quantity,  about  20  quarts. 
Quality,  first. 
Milks  up  to  her  time. 

This  is  a  very  correct  description  of  my  cows,  LUy  and  Floyd 


Quality,  very  good. 
Milks  up  to  her  time. 


M.  E.   CONARD. 


The  above  examination  of  our  herds  of  cows,  some  of  which  were  covered  by  a  largo 
blanket,  completely  excluding  from  view  every  part  of  the  animal  except  the  escutch- 
eon and  back  part  of  udder,  subjected  the  commission  to  the  severest  test  that  could 
be  applied ;  and  agreeing,  as  their  estimate  of  quality  and  quantity  does,  with  our  pre- 
viously written  reports,  leads  ua  to  think  that  in  the  hands  of  experts  it  would  be  a 
valuable  aid  in  judging  the  quality  of  dairy  stock. 

Thomas  Gawthkop, 

EVEBABD  CONABD, 

Howard  Preston, 
Mark  Hughes, 

Committee. 


West  Grove,  ll  month  7, 1878, 
6 


7  ^SH^' 


82  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

The  undersigned  having  been  present  at  the  examination  of  Thomas  Gawthrop's 
herd  of  dairy  cows,  by  the  Guenon  commission,  on  the  2d  day  of  9  month,  1878,  am 
free  to  say  that,  although  most  of  the  cows  were  blanketed  from  horns  to  tail,  their  es- 
timate, in  a  great  majority  of  them,  very  nearly  corresponded  with  the  owners  account 
previously  prepared. 

M.  E.  CONABP. 

West  Grove,  Pa.,  11  month  7, 1878. 

Joseph  Pyle  would  have  signed  had  he  been  present  at  the  examination.  Expresses 
confidence  in  the  system. 

T.  G. 

Examination  of  J.  Sc  J.  Darlington's  Cows,  October  2d. 

The  commission  visited  the  herds  of  Messrs.  J.  &  J.  Darlington,  Octo- 
ber 2,  at  Darlington  station,  on  Westchester  road,  Delaware  county.  These 
gentlemen  make  the  finest  butter  and  get  the  largest  price  in  the  market. 
Their  dairy  is  admirably  arranged.  They  have  farms  of  four  hundred 
and  eighty  acres,  and  have  a  herd  of  one  hundred  and  sixty-seven  cows. 
They  had  selected  about  a  fair  sample  of  the  herd  in  two  lots  of  cows. 
The  first  lot,  from  No.  9  to  33,  was  on  one  farm,  and  those  numbered  from 
1  to  1 4  on  the  other  farm.  These  gentlemen  kept  no  test  of  the  quality 
of  anj'  cow's  milk,  and  have  no  exact  record  of  the  quantity  given  by  any 
cow;  but  as  they  are  experienced  dairymen,  and  thoroughly  practical 
men,  they  knew  about  what  each  cow  was  giving  in  milk,  and  about  its 
general  quality,  and  sufficient  to  pronounce  the  grade  of  each  cow,  whether 
first,  second,  or  third  class.  Therefore,  in  their  record  they  do  not  give 
the  exact  record,  as  the  committee  would  have  desired,  so  as  to  compare 
with  their  own  estimates,  but  they  give  the  general  qualities  of  the  cow, 
and  the  two  records  must  be  compared  from  that  stand  point.  Another 
matter  must  be  taken  into  consideration.  The  Messrs.  Darlington  are 
liberal  feeders,  which  accounts  partly  for  their  rich,  tasty  butter,  and  tends 
to  make  their  cows  do  full  work,  A  standard  of  quarts  for  first,  second, 
and  third  class,  upon  which  to  estimate  the  qualities  of  the  cows,  was  agreed 
upon  between  the  commission  and  Messrs.  Darlington. 


J.  &  J.  DABiiiNaTON's  Account. 

No9.— 

Quantity,  first. 

Time,  six  to  eight  weeks. 

First-class  cow. 
No  61.— 

Quantity,  second. 

Time,  six  to  eight  weeks. 

Second  class  cow. 

No.  4.— 

Quantity,  third. 

Time,  four  to  six  weeks. 

Third  class  cow. 
No.  1.— 

Quantity,  first. 

Time,  four  to  six  weeks. 

First-class  cow. 
No.  41.— 

Quantity,  first. 

Time,  lour  to  six  weeks. 

First-class  cow. 
No.  S2 — 

Quantity,  first. 

Time,  four  to  six  weeks. 

First-class  cow* 


GuENON  Commission's  Account. 

No.  9. — Grade  Durham. — Bicorn,  second. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Time,  four  to  six  weeks. 
No.   61. — Grade    D  u  r  h  a m. — Imperfect 
Flanders,  third. 
Quantity,  second  class. 
Quality,  second  class. 
Time,  two  months. 
No.  4. — Grade  Durham. — Flanders,  third. 

Quantity,  third, 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  one  month. 
No.  1. — Grade  Durham — Flanders,  seo'd. 

Quantitj',  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Up  to  her  time. 
No.  41 Grade  Durham. — Flanders. 

Quantity,  first. 

Quality,  second. 

Time,  six  weeks  to  two  months. 
No.  ;g5.— Grade  Durham. — Flanders,  2d. 

Quantity,  first. 

Quality,  first. 

Up  to  time,  say  four  to  six  weeks. 


Report  op  Pennsylvania  Commission. 


83 


No.  6.— 
Quantity,  third. 
Time,  t-ix  to  eight  weeks. 
Third  class  cow. 

No.  7.— 
Qu.intity,  second. 
Time,  eight  to  ten  weeks. 
Second  class  cow. 


No.  G7.— 
Quantity,  first. 
Time,  lour  to  six  weeks. 
First-class  cow. 

No.  19 

Quantity,  tliird. 

Time,  two  to  three  weeks. 

Third  class  cow. 
No.  S2.— 

Quantity,  third. 

Time,  two  to  three  weeks. 

Third  class  cow. 

No.  1.— 

Agrees  with  the  commission. 

Second  class  cow. 

Dry  about  two  months. 
No.  2.— 

Agrees  with  commission. 

First-class  cow. 

Dry  four  to  sLx  weeks. 
No.  S.— 

Second  class  cow. 

Dry  about  six  weeks. 

No.  4.— 

Agrees  with  committee. 

Second  class  cow. 

Large  milker,  but  fails  too  soon. 

Dry  from  six  to  eight  weeks. 
No.  5.— 

Large  milker. 

First-class. 

Dry  six  to  eight  weeks. 
No.  6.— 

Agrees  with  committee. 

Second  class. 

Dry  three  to  four  weeks. 
No.  7— 

First-class  in  every  respect. 

Best  in  the  herd. 

Dry  four  to  eight  weeks. 
No.  8.~ 

Agrees  with  committee. 

Good  second  class. 

Dry  four  to  six  weeks. 
No.  9.— 

First-class. 

Dry  four  to  six  weeks. 

No.  10.— 

Agrees  with  commission's. 

Second  class. 

Dry  six  to  eight  weeks. 
No.  11.— 

First-class. 

Dry  about  eight  weeks. 


No.  6. — Grade     Durham.-  Imperfect 

Flanders. 

Quantity,  tliird. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  eight  to  ten  weeks. 
No.    7.— Grade. — Flanders,   with  bastard 
marks. 

Qualltit3^  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Up  to  her  time,  six  weeks. 

Reexamined,  and  shows  bastard  marks. 
No.  67.— Grade    Durham  —  Imperfect 
Flanders. 

Quantit}'',  lirst. 

Qualitj'',  second. 

Dry  eight  weeks. 
No.  i5.— Grade.— Selvage,  third. 

Quantity,  third. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  eight  weelcs. 
No.  5f.— Durham Flanders,  third,  part- 
ly bastard. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  eight  weeks. 
No.  i.— Grade. — Flanders,  third. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  two  months. 
No.  S. — Grade. — Flanders,  second. 

Quantity,  first. 

Quality^  fust. 

Dry  four  to  six  weeks. 
No.  8. — Grade. — Imperfect  Flanders. 

Quantity,  first. 

Quality,  first. 

Dry  six  weeks. 
No.  4.— Grade.— Flanders,  second. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  six  to  eight  weeks. 
No.  5. — Grade,  Durham. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  eight  to  ten  weeks. 
No.  6. — Grade Hori/xsntal,  first. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  four  to  six  weeks. 
No.  7. — Grade. — Curveline,  second. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  third. 

Dry  four  to  six  weeks. 
No.  8. — Grade,  Durham. — IIorizontal,tirst. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  four  to  six  weeks. 
No.  9. — Grade. — Flanders,  a  Gauche. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  six  weeks. 
No.  10. — Grade. — Flanders,  second. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  six  weeks. 
No.  11 — Grade. — Double  selvage. — Some 
bastard  marks. 

Quantity,  second. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  ten  to  twelve  weeks. 


84 


GUENON   ON   MlLCH    CoWS. 


No.  IS.— 

Agrees  with  commiseion's. 

First-class. 

Dry  six  to  eight  weeks. 
JS'o.  IS.— 

Agrees  with  commission. 

Tliird  class. 

Dry  four  to  six  weeks. 
No.  14.— 

Agrees  with  oonimission. 

First-class. 

Dry  two  to  three  weeks. 


No.  IS. — Grade. — Imperfect  Flanders. 

Quantity,  Jirst. 

Quality,  second. 

Dry  six  weeks. 
No.  is. — Grade, Durham. — Flanders,third. 

Quantity,  third. 

QualityJ^  third. 

Dry  six  to  eight  weeks. 
No.  i.^.— Grade.— Flanders,  second. 

Quantity,  tinst. 

Quality,  second. 

Up  to  her  time. 


"We  were  present  at  the  examination  of  our  stock  by  the  Pennsylvania  Guenon  Com- 
mission, on  October  2d,  and  have  examined  the  accounts  here  rendered,  with  the  origi- 
nal written  opinions,  and  find  them  to  correspond.  The  accounts  were  given  by  both 
parties  without  either  knowing  anything  of  the  accounts  of  the  other. 

(Signed)  J.  &  J.  Darlington: 

Having  given  the  results  of  their  work,  the  commission  would  now  leave 
the  further  solution  of  the  problem  to  the  practical  dairymen  of  the  State. 
They,  of  course,  expect  that  not  only  their  report,  but  also  the  correctness 
of  the  system,  will  be  criticised  ;  but  if  this  criticism  is  conducted  with  a 
spirit  of  fairness,  and  with  a  view  to  obtain  the  truth,  they  fully  believe 
the  result  will  be  favorable. 

By  direction  of  the  commission. 

WILLIS  P.  HAZARD, 
Secretary. 


Addenda.  85 


ADDENDA. 


The  appointment  of  a  commission  by  Governor  Hartranffc,  in  1878,  to  in- 
vestigate and  verify  tlie  theories  of  M.  Giienon  in  judging  and  selecting 
milch  cows,  has  resulted  m  much  good  to  the  agricultural  community.  The 
members  of  that  commission,  including  Mr.  George  Blight,  who  acted  upon 
a  similar  committee  m  1853,  thoroughly  imbued  with  the  accuracy  of  the 
s^^stem  and  the  desire  to  extend  its  usefulness,  have  continued  to  explain 
this  mode  of  selecting  cows  whenever  an  opportunity  offered.  This  has 
been  very  frequent,  and  many  hvmdred  cows  have  been  examined  in  public, 
and  the  system  explained  in  every  section  of  the  country. 

It  is  fortunate  that  aU  other  modes  of  judging  cows  do  not  militate 
against  M.  Guenon's  views  ;  they  give  the  judge  only  a  more  certain  mode, 
and,  if  he  has  had  much  practice,  a  nearly  infallible  one.  There  are  some 
points  which  are  in  full  unison  with  Guenon's  views,  but  do  not  appear  in  his 
worlc,  and  may  be  spoken  of  as  follows  : 

1st.  All  bovine  animals  have  on  the  skin  of  the  back  a  quirl  in  the  hair, 
which  seems  to  be  a  sort  of  dividing  line  or  point  between  the  hair  on  the 
front  of  the  animal  and  that  on  the  hinder  portion.  This  should  be  found 
m  the  center  of  the  ridge  of  the  animal,  that  is,  equi-distant  from  the  head 
as  from  the  root  of  the  tail,  and  should  be  well  defined,  but  of  short  fine 
hair.  Frequently  it  is  to  be  seen  on  the  shoulder  ;  when  there,  coarse  hair 
is  generally  the  accompaniment,  and  with  that,  a  thick  or  tough  skin,  and 
no  great  milking  qualities,  or  if  much  milk  is  given,  it  is  not  for  a  long  time, 
nor  is  the  millc  of  rich  quality.  The  heaviest  milkers  have  this  mark,  usual- 
ly on  the  middle  of  the  back,  and  the  richest,  with  short  fine  hair.  In 
short,  the  nearer  the  middle  of  the  back,  and  the  smaller  the  quirl  and  the 
finer  the  hair,  the  most  generally  will  the  cow  be  the  better  milker  and  of 
the  richest  quality.  This  mark  Mr.  Blight  and  myself  have  been  testing  for 
a  long  time,  and  we  feel  now  that  we  can  recommend  it  as  a  very  good  ad- 
ditional point  to  judge  from. 

2d.  Tlie  tail  should  be  long  and  squarely  placed  on  the  animal  at  the  root, 
and  of  thin  fine  quality,  with  a  good  curly  or  corkscrew  switch,  and  the 
bone  of  the  tail  should  extend  fully  down  to  the  knee  and  as  much  below 
it  as  possible.  The  horns  should  be  small,  waxy,  and  crumpled  inwards  and 
downwards  a  little.  If  they  are  long,  they  should  be  thin  and  sometimes 
rather  flat. 

3d.  Bulls  ;  the  same  remarks  apply  to  these.  Their  hind  legs  should  re- 
semble, as  much  as  possible,  those  of  the  cow,  with  great  length  between 
the  hoof  and  the  first  joint;  this  indicates  their  aptitude  to  beget  heifer 
calves  and  good  milkers. 

4th,  On  raising  calves,  proper  nourishment  should  be  gi^-en  ;  if  stinted, 
the  inferior  parts  develop  to  the  injury  of  the  better ;  the  head  and  horns 
will  be  out  of  proportion  to  the  rest  of  the  body. 


86  '  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

The  Breeding  and  Value  of  well-selected  Butter  Cows. 

We  have  frequentl}'  endeavored  to  show  that  one  of  the  most  important 
advantages  of  Griienon's  system  is,  that  it  enables  every  owner  of  cows  to 
tell  the  good  from  the  bad  cows,  and  that  by  weeding  out  the  poor  ones, 
and  raising  the  tone  of  his  herd,  he  will  increase  his  profits,  and  if  every 
farmer  in  the  State  will  do  the  same,  the  increased  value  of  all  herds,  and 
the  increased  results  in  profits,  would  amount  to  many  millions  yearly. 

Pertinent  to  this  subject,  Mr.  J.  H.  Walker,  of  Worcester,  Massachu- 
setts, the  owner  of  a  very  choice  herd  of  Jerseys,  embracing  members  of 
the  Alphea,  Victor,  and  Pansy  families,  has  prepared  an  article  on  the 
BREEDiNa  AND  Value  OF  BuTTER  Cows,  which  proves,  by  tables  showing 
the  net  results  of  good  and  bad  cows,  the  theory  that  good  cows  will  pay 
better  than  poor  ones  as  an  investment.     We  digest  his  remarks  as  follows : 

In  New  England,  a  pound  of  butter  can  be  made  for  less  money  than  a 
poimd  and  a  half  of  beef,  taking  the  animals  at  birth  or  beginning  with 
animals  two  years  old. 

Taking  any  good  herd  of  Jersey  cows,  old  and  young,  from  the  time  the 
heifers  first  come  in  milk,  and  it  will  average  to  make  two  thirds  as  many 
pounds  of  butter  per  annum  as  any  person  in  New  England  can  make  in 
pounds  of  beef,  on  an}^  herd  of  any  breed. 

The  beef  is  worth  six  to  nine  cents,  and  the  butter  from  twenty  to  forty 
cents. 

Furthermore,  every  farmer  should  know  what  the  difference  is  in  the 
actual  value  of  the  different  cows  he  owns,  rating  their  value  upon  the 
money  he  gets  for  their  product. 

An  ordinary  cow  will  make  about  two  hundred  pounds  of  butter  a  j'ear. 
The  tables  are  intended  to  show  what  the  difference  is  in  the  value  of  dif- 
ferent cows  for  producing  butter,  taking  as  a  basis  the  payment  of  thirty 
dollars  for  a  cow  that  will  make  two  hundred  pounds  of  butter  per  annum, 
and  for  different  amounts  up  to  six  hundred  pounds  per  annum,  assuming 
that  the  cow  will  die  at  twelve  years  of  age.  The  interest  upon  the  first 
cost  of  the  cow,  and  on  her  product  for  each  j-ear,  is  compounded  at  the 
rate  of  six  per  cent,  per  annum,  up  to  the  day  it  is  assumed  the  cow  will 
die,  taking  no  account  of  the  value  of  the  stock  bred  from  her. 

As  long  as  every  business  is  done  upon  the  basis  of  interest  on  invest- 
ments, we  must  treat  the  question  of  values  as  applied  to  cows  on  that 
basis.  This  is  the  only  way  to  accurately  prove  the  difference  in  value  be- 
tween one  cow  and  another. 

Table  A. 

If  the  cow  cost  thirty  dollars,  the  keeping  per  annum  twenty-five  dollars, 
and  the  butter  sells  for  twenty-five  cents  a  pound,  the  profits  on  the  cows 
will  be  as  follows,  viz  : 

Paying  $30  00  for  a  200  pound  cow,  he  will  get  in  ten  years, §170  00 

189  97     "      300  "  "  "  235  OS 

348  86     "      400  "  "  "  ^99  89 

"        504  39     "      500  "  "  "  363  11 

671  61     «'      600  "  "  "  428  39 

Table  B. 

Including  interest  on  all  items,  a  farmer  will  make  on  each  cow  as  fol- 
lows, (made  on  a  basis  of  twenty -five  cents  a  pound  for  butter,  and  twenty- 
five  dollars  a  year  for  keeping,)  viz  : 

Paving  S30  00  for  a  200  i)onnd  cow,  he  will  get  in  ten  years, ?195  73 

125  00     "      300  "  "  "  313  06 

250  00     "      400  "  "  •*  3/4  15 

"         350  00     "      500  "  "  "  £4  52 

"        450  00     "      600  "  *'  "  595  91 


Value  of  Good  Butter  Cows.  87 

Table  C. 

Reckoning  the  annual  cost  of  keeping  at  thirt3'-five  dollars,  and  butter 

at  thirty  cents  a  pound,  reckoning  interest  on  her  cost,  and  on  all  receipts 

from  her,  a  farmer  will  make  on  each  cow  as  follows,  viz  : 

Paving  $30  00  for  a  200  pound  cow,  he  will  get  in  ten  years, $182  87 

'"        125  00     "      300  "  "  "  354  78 

"         250  00     "400  "  "  "  483  49 

"        350  00     "      500  "  "  "  654  17 

•'        450  00     "     600  "  "  "  811  59 

Table  D. 

On  an  annual  cost  of  keeping  of  fifty  dollars,  and  price  of  butter  at  thir- 
ty-five cents : 

Paving  ?30  00  for  a  200  pound  cow,  he  will  get  in  ten  years, $95  76 

""        125  00    "      300  «'  "  "  318  39 

"        250  00     "      400  "  "  "  507  46 

"        350  00     "      500  "  «'  "  744  20 

"        450  00     "      600  "  "  "  960  90 

Assuming  that  each  cow,  costing  at  two  j'ears  old  the  price  named  in  the 
tables,  will  die  at  twelve  years  old,  the  actual  value  of  cows  to  practical 
farmers,  making  annually  the  different  amounts  of  butter  named,  is  shown. 

They  show  what  the  cow  will  make  in  the  ten  years,  and  also  what  a 
farmer  can  affoi'd  to  pay  for  each  cow  making  the  different  amounts  of 
butter  named.  They  show  the  different  amounts  the  farmer,  who  buys  one 
of  each  of  the  cows  named,  paying  the  prices  named  for  each  of  the  five, 
will  make  on  each,  provided  no  interest  is  reckoned  on  the  price  paid  for  the 
cow,  or  on  the  butter  made  from  her,  during  ten  years. 

These  figures  are  certainly  startling  to  any  one  who  has  not  taken  the 
trouble  to  examine  this  subject,  much  more  so  to  the  farmer  who  never 
figures  carefully,  and  does  exactly  as  his  father  did  before  him,  without  re- 
gard to  the  altered  circumstances  that  surround  him. 

The  farmer  who  shakes  his  head  wisely  at  his  more  enterprising  neighbor, 
and  insists  that  cows  making  as  much  butter  as  is  mentioned  m  these  five 
tables  do  not  live  and  never  did,  should  know  that  the  thoroughbred  Jersey 
cows,  Jersey  Belle  of  Scituate,  of  the  Victor  family,  made  705  pounds  of 
butter  in  twelve  consecutive  months ;  that  Eurotas,  of  the  Alphia  family, 
made  778  pounds  of  butter  between  November  12,  1879,  and  October  15, 
1880,  and  dropped  a  heifer  calf  on  November  4, 1880 ;  that  Pansy,  sired 
by  Living  Storm,  dam  Dolly  2d,  sired  by  Emperor  2d,  made  in  her  four 
year  old  form  574  pounds  of  butter  in  one  year  ;  that  imported  Flora  made 
511  pounds  of  butter  in  fifty  weeks;  that  Countess  made  16  pounds  of 
butter  on  grass  only,  when  fourteen  3'ears  old.  These  well-established 
facts  no  intelligent,  fair-minded  man  now  disputes,  and  it  is  confidently''  be- 
lieved that  many  more  Jerseys  will  make  as  much  butter  as  have  any  of 
those  mentioned. 

The  question  which  at  once  suggests  itself  to  farmers  who  are  not  satis- 
fied with  their  present  animals,  is  that  of  capital.  The  answer  is,  "  admit- 
ting the  above  figures  to  be  correct,  I  have  no  capital  to  pay  the  high  prices 
demanded  for  the  best  Jersey  cows,  and  I  must  therefore  forego  "that  im- 
provement of  my  herd,  which  I  know  I  ought  to  make."  Let  us  see  if 
this  is  so. 

By  any  process  of  reasoning,  the  "  bull  is  half  the  herd."  Each  cow  con- 
tributes to  one  calf  each  year  half  its  qualities.  The  bull  contributes  to 
every  calf  produced  in  the  herd  half  its  qualities.  Some  horse-breeders 
will  talk  only  of  the  excellences  of  the  stallion.  Some  farmers  will  talk 
only  of  the  excellences  of  the  cows.     Both  are  mistaken.     The  sire  and 


88  GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 

the  dam,  each  contribute  to  their  offspring,  on  the  average,  exactly  the 
same  proportion  of  their  excellences  or  defects. 

Some  bulls  are  so  powerfully  organized,  as  to  be  able  to  stamp  their  quali- 
ties, good  or  bad,  on  nearly  ever^-  one  of  their  progeny',  as  are  some  cows ; 
but  these  are  the  rare  exceptions.  Each  contribute  the  same,  as  a  rule.  No 
scientific  investigator  of  the  breeding  problem,  or  careful  breeder,  would 
any  sooner  select  the  offspring  of  a  600  pound  butter  cow,  got  by  a  bull 
from  a  200  pound  butter  family,  than  he  would  a  heifer  got  by  a  full  brother 
to  the  600  pound  butter  cow  from  a  full  sister  to  the  200  pound  butter  bull. 

Using  a  bull  from  a  400  pound  butter  family,  on  heifers  from  a  200  pound 
butter  family,  is  just  as  likel}'  to  produce  heifers  that  will  make  from  two 
hundred  to  four  hundred  pounds  of  butter  annuall}",  averaging  a  jield  of 
three  hundred  pounds ;  as  the  using  of  a  bull  from  a  200  pound  butter 
famih^  on  cows  of  a  400  pound  butter  famil}',  would  be  to  reduce  the  yield 
of  some  of  the  heifers  to  two  hundred  pounds,  and  the  average  to  three 
hundred  pounds.  The  mcreasing  the  butter  jield  of  the  heifers  from  a  herd 
of  cows  one  half  by  using  a  bull  on  them  from  a  family  or  breed  that  make 
twice  as  much,  or  the  reverse,  can  be  relied  upon  as  certainl}'  as  any  ex- 
pected result  in  the  most  uncertain  of  all  business,  namely  ;  that  of  breeding. 

If  these  statements  are  correct,  what  had  a  farmer  better  pay  for  a  bull 
from  a  400  pound  butter  family,  to  use  on  his  herd  of  ten  200  pound  butter 
cows,  rather  than  use  a  bull  from  a  200  pound  butter  family  ? 

It  may  be  said  that  the  keeping  would  cost  more,  because  the  higher  bred 
product  must  be  kept  better.  There  is  some  truth  in  this,  but  the  better 
keeping  would  affect  favorably  the  poorer  animals  as  well,  and  whatever 
the  extra  feed. would  cost,  it  would  carry  the  value  of  the  average  j-ield  as 
much  above  the  figures  we  are  making,  as  the  extra  feed  would  cost. 

The  ten  200  pound  butter  cows,  in  ten  years  would  pay  a  profit  of 
$1,957  30.  If  the  ten  cows  bred  from  them,  by  using  the  400  pound  butter 
bull,  would  make  half  as  much  again  butter  at  the  same  cost,  the  general 
product  would  be  increased  by  one  half,  and  leave  the  sum  to  be  deducted 
for  keeping  the  same,  for  if  the  two  year  old  200  pound  butter  heifer  could  be 
raised  for  $30,  so  could  the  better  bred  one.  The  profit  on  each  of  them, 
deducting  $54  18,  cost  of  cow,  will  be  $484  64— on  the  ten,  $4,846  40,  and 
on  the  200  pound  butter  cows,  the  profits  would  be  $1,957  30.  The  ad- 
vantages reaped  by  the  farmer  who  has  the  product  for  ten  years  of  heifers 
bred  by  using  the  better  bull,  will  be  $2,889  10  more  than  on  the  200  pound 
butter  cows. 

If  he  paid  for  his  bull  $1,500,  and  the  bull  and  all  his  cows  died  at  twelve 
years  old,  the  farmer  would  be  as  well  ofi'  as  he  would  have  been  to  have 
used  the  200  pound  butter  bull. 

But  there  is  no  necessity  of  paying  $1,500  for  a  400  pound  butter  bull. 
One  hundred  dollars  will  buy  a  Jersey  bull,  six  weeks  old,  from  a  400  pound 
butter  family,  and  he  will  be  old  enough  to  use  in  twelve  months.  The 
$100  paid  for  him,  at  six  per  cent.  comi)ound  interest,  would  amount  to 
$191  61,  in  eleven  years.  The  profit  on  ten  butter  cows  making  three  Inni- 
clred  pounds  over  the  ten  cows  making  two  hundred  pounds  in  ten  years,  be- 
ing $2,800,  by  deducting  the  $191  61  for  the  bull  that  produced  them,  (count- 
ing nothing  for  the  200  pound  butter  bull,  for  he  is  good-for-notiiing,)  the  ac- 
tual advantage  reaped  by  the  farmer  with  intelligence  and  enterprise  enough 
to  secure  the  better  bull,  in  the  ten  years  after  his  heifers  come  in,  is  over 
$2,500  on  the  butter  alone.  The  animals  are  counted  of  no  value  when  twelve 
years  old,  as  the  price  got  for  those  living  beyond  that  age  wouhl  average  to 
pay  only  for  the  losses  caused  by  accident  to  animals  before  reaching  that  age. 
These  figures  take  no  account  of  the  skim-milk  or  buttermilk,  for  they  are 


Yalue  of  Jersey  Breed.  89 

nearly  the  same  in  either  case,  and  will  pay  the  taxes  and  for  the  care  of 
the  animals ;  but  there  is  one  very  important  source  of  profit  that  is  not 
reckoned,  and  that  is  the  extra  value  of  the  progeny,  which  is  shown  by  the 
followingtable,  tobe$lT,424  48. 

There  must  be  no  mistake  made  in  procuring  a  Jersey  bull  calf. 

Although,  as  a  breed,  the^^  are  twice  to  three  times  as  valuable  for  butter 
as  common  cows,  yet  any  farmer  who  buys  or  uses  a  Jersey  bull,  because 
he  is  a  Jersey  bull,  will  sorely  repent  his  venture. 

Buy  a  bull  only  from  the  very  best  families  of  Jerseys,  They  are  cheaper 
than  the  gift  of  an  average  good  one. 

The  idea  that  it  costs  more  to  keep  Jersey  cows  than  common  cows,  or 
that  Jersey  cows  will  not  take  on  flesh,  for  beef,  as  readily  as  other  breeds, 
is  true  in  one  view,  and  very  erroneous  in  another  and  more  correct  one. 

"What  a  Jersey  eats,  beyond  a  limited  amount,  increases  the  quantity  and 
richness  of  her  milk,  not  her  flesh,  and  the  amount  of  flesh  she  carries  is 
proportionally  less  for  any  extra  feed,  because  it  does  not  make  flesh,  but 
increases  tlie  batter  globules  in  her  milk.  Again,  any  other  breed  can  be 
readily  dried  oflT  at  any  time,  and  being  dr}',  or  giving  but  little  milk,  and 
that  of  poor  quality,  they  readily  take  on  flesh,  but  a  good  Jersey  is  "  dried 
off "  with  great  difficulty,  and  herein  she  greatly  excels  all  other  breeds. 
Hundreds  of  Jerseys,  milking  twelve  to  sixteen  quarts  at  their  flush,  hold 
out  so  evenly,  that  they  will  give  many  more  quarts  of  milk,  and  of  double 
the  richness,  in  a  year,  than  eighteen  to  twenty-four  quart  cows,  of  other 
families,  that  are  dry  several  months  of  the  year. 

It  is  the  experience  of  every  breeder  of  Jerseys  that,  being  tZr?/,  they  will 
take  on  flesh  as  fast,  with  a  given  quantity  and  quality  of  ieed,  as  other 
breeds,  not  exclusively  beef  producers. 

They  are  not  good  for  beef,  simply  because  they  are  good  for  butter. 

From  Jersey  cows,  a  farmer  in  New  England  can  make  a  pound  of  butter 
worth  thirty-five  cents,  with  a  less  quantity  of  food  than  they  now  use  to 
make  a  pound  and  one  half  of  beef  worth  nine  cents. 

If  farmers  think  there  is  some  error  in  these  statements,  they  will,  like 
sensible  men  whose  prosperity  depends  upon  the  result,  sit  down  and  figure 
out  the  results  for  themselves. 

Those  who  talk  loudest  against  them,  will  hold  on  to  a  cow  in  their  herd 
that  has  a  little  Jersey  blood  in  her ;  and  if  they  put  a  price  on  her,  it  will 
be  from  half  as  much  again,  to  double  that  of  the  finer  formed  cow  stand- 
ing beside  her,  guiltless  of  having  any  Jersey  blood  in  her  veins. 

If  there  is  an  animal  to  be  had  any  better  than  the  bull  any  one  is  now 
using,  it  ought  to  be  secured  at  once.  So  with  cows,  but  by  all  means  change 
at  once  for  a  better,  any  bull,  however'  good. 

It  is  not  claimed  for  any  of  the  tables  herewith  presented,  that  they  show 
absolutely  the  value  of  any  cow  to  any  farmer,  but  only  that  they  are  rela- 
tively correct.  Every  man  who  consults  them,  must  make  his  own  adjust- 
ments as  to  cost  and  receipts  on  any  cow  he  owns.  It  is  clear,  that  adding 
a  very  little  to  the  cost  of  keeping,  and  deducting  a  very  little  from  the 
price  of  butter,  will  show  that  any  200  pound  butter  cow  brings  her  owner 
in  debt,  each  year.  Again,  there  are  probably  hundreds  of  cows  kept  for 
the  dairy,  that  will  not  make  two  hundred  pounds  of  butter  in  one  year  on 
the  same  feed  Jersey  Belle  of  Scituate,  had  when  she  made  seven  hundred 
and  five  pounds  of  butter  in  one  year.  It  may  be  said  that  no  allowance 
is  made  for  any  accidents  to  which  a  cow  is  liable — to  abort,  to  have  a  calf 
die  at  birth,  to  injury,  &c.,  and  the  thought  is  present  that  the  loss  on  the 
poorer  animal  is  not  so  much,  in  that  case,  as  on  the  better ;  but  the  better 
is  no  more  liable  to  such  a  case,  and  the  loss  is  nearly  the  same  proportion- 


90 


GuENON  ON  Milch  Cows. 


all}'.  But  it  is  still  true,  that  the  nearer  to  absolute  worthlessness  animals 
are,  the  less  the  loss,  relatively  and  absolutely,  their  owner  suffers  in  their 
injury.  Better  remember,  however,  that  "  blessed  be  nothing  "  is  not  the 
ejaculation  of  the  healthful,  the  enterprising,  and  the  successful,  but  of  des- 
perate disease,  incapacity,  or  idleness. 


Table  E. 

Showing  the  value  of  the  progeny  of  a  herd  of  32  cows,  that  each  make 
300  pounds  of  butter  annually,  at  the  expiration  of  ten  years,  together  with 
the  value  of  the  butter  the  progeny  will  have  made  during  the  ten  years. 
Also  showing  the  same  on  a  herd  of  32  cows,  each  making  200  pounds  of 
butter  annuall}'.  No  account  is  taken  of  the  bull  calves,  for  they  are 
worth  nothing.  No  one  can  afford  to  use  a  bull,  however  good,  if  one  is 
to  be  had  that  is  an}'  better. 


1883 

13*1 
1385 
188G 
1887 
1883 
1880 


200  POUITD  BCTTKK  HEED. 

300  POUND  BUTTER  HEBD. 

13 

h 

'^  0 

■2  0 

«   . 

o  u 

o 

1^ 

v. 

«  o 

ii 

5« 

Eg 

°-8 

>^  1 

2« 

3 

Sfl 

a  a 

"Sa 

od 

It 

o 

SB 

alue  of  b 
the    eud 
years. 

45  V 

H 

OS  0) 

otal  valu 
heifers  a 
product. 

CI       u 
3  0)  OS 

h' 

8'          '    > 

> 

H 

> 

> 

H 

1881 

16  heifers,    .   . 

8  years,  . 

.  .   .  h        $3,174  46 

$160 

t3,3»4  46 

$6,973  12 

?1,216 

?8, 189  12 

1382 

16 

1         2, 724  54 

160 

2, 884  54 

6,073  12 

1.824 

7,897  12 

1383 

16 

2,247  04 

320 

2,567  &4 

5,117  92 

2,432 

7,519  92 

1884 

16 

1,740  32 

480 

2,220  32 

4, 104  32 

3,040 

7,144  32 

1885 

16 

1,202  72 

480 

1,682  72 

3,029  12 

3.040 

6,069  12 

1386 

16 

632  32 

480 

1,112  32 

1,888  32 

3,040 

4, 923  32 

1387 

16 

208  64 

480 

088  64 

980  48 

3,040 

4,020  48 

1388 
1880 
1890 

16 
10 
10 

yearUng, 
calf,     .   . 

430 
288 

430  00  i 
238  00  ' 

340  32 

3,040 
2,000 

3,380  32 

2,000  00 



06 

06  00 

960 

960  00 

Product  of  tHe  Second  Generation. 


8  heifers. 


6  years, 
5"  " 
4  " 
3  " 
2  " 
1  " 
yearling 
calf, 


?1,122  52 
870  16 
601  3S 
316  10 
104  32 


160 
240 
240 
240 
240 
240 
144 
43 


$1, 283  W 
1,110  16 
Ml  36 
556  16 
344  32 
240  CO 
144  CO 
48  00 


$2,558  98 

2,052  10 

1,514  56 

M4  16 

490  24 

170  16 


1,216 
1,520 
1,520 
1,520 
1.520 
1,520 
1,000 
480 


?3.774  96 
3,572  16 
3,oai  56 
2,464  16 
2.010  24 
1,090  16 
1, 000  CO 
480  00 


1880 
1890 


Product  of  tlie  Third  Generation. 


Prodnct  of  the  Fourth  Generation 

1B87 
1888 
1889 
1890 

2  heifers,    .  . 
2        " 

2       " 
2       " 

2  years,  .... 
1      "          ... 

$26  08 

60 
60 
36 
12 

$86  08  1 
COCO 
36  00 
12  00 

$122  56 
42  54 

380 

380 
250 
120 

$502  56 
422  54 

250  00 

calf, 

120  00 

Product  of  tHe  FlftU  Generation. 

1  heifer, 

1        " 


yearling, 
calf,     .   . 


13  00 
6  00 


125 
60 


125  00 
60  00 


Total  value  of  progeny  from  herd  of  32  In  10  years, $21,226  58  .  .  .  . 

Value  of  progeny,  $2,406  77  «n  each  SCO  pound  cow. 
Value  of  progeny,  $663  33  on  each  200  pound  cow. 


.$76,084  62 


NOTICES  OF  THE  PRESS. 


"The  -whole  system  is  very  clearly  laid  down,  so  that  any  one,  by  practice  and  study, 
may  learn  from  this  worlc  how  to  use  it.  The  arguments  for  and  against  are  also  set 
forth,  with  proofs  of  the  value  of  the  system.  Our  dairj^inen  would  do  well  to  study 
the  subject  and  be  able  to  guess  as  well  as  the  mendjers  of  the  commission  on  the 
value  of  the  cows  examined  by  them." — American  Dairymen. 

"  In  itself,  tlie  system  is  very  simple,  and,  with  care,  easily  understood ;  and,  taking 
into  consideration  its  great  importance,  should  be  studied  and  acquired  by  all  who  are 
directly  or  indirectly  interested  in  farming,  and  as  so  many  opportunities  are  offering 
to  obtain  a  practical  knowledge  of  the  method,  there  can  be'no  excuse  for  ignorance  any 
longer.  The  system  of  judging  the  value  of  cows  has  become  so  thoroughly  arranged 
that  with  a  little  practice,  enough  can  be  learned  from  it  in  a  short  time  to  serve  any 
one  makiu''  use  of  it,  and  thereby  avoiding  loss. 

"The  bulls  are  found  marked  with  corresponding  designs,  as  far  as  the  sex  permits, 
which  indicate  unerringly  their  good  and  jioor  qualities;  and  thus  by  a  wise  use  of 
the  knowledge  acquired  through  the  Guenon  metiiod,  stock  breeders  can  judiciously, 
and  with  almost  certainty,  select  their  cattle  for  the  purposes  in  view,  either  for  milk- 
ing, butter-making,  or  beef,  according  to  their  desire,  for  all  these  results  follow  its 
teachings." — State  Fair  Daily, 

"Mr.  Hazard  has  given  us  a  most  interesting  work  upon  a  system  that  has  gained 
the  respect  and  consideration  of  thinking  farmers  the  world  over." — Farm  and  Fire- 
side, HSpringfield,  Ohio. 

"Mr.  Hazard  is,  no  doubt,  the  best  posted  supporter  of  the  system  in  this  country, 
and  may  be  regarded  as  authority.  If  his  recommendations  for  the  selection  of  dairy 
stock  are  worthless  then  the  whole  Guenon  sj'stem  may  be  condemned  as  being  utterly 
fallacious.  His  book  deserves  careful  attention  from  intelligent  farmers." — Bucks 
County  Intelligencer. 

"  In  a  majority  of  cases,  the  marks  have  been  reliable,  and  this  should  incite  all  dairy 
folks  to  know  what  is  said  about  it." — Aleehan's  Oardner^s  Monthly. 

"  It  embraces  a  sketch  of  Guenon,  and  the  progress  of  his  discovery  ;  extracts  from 
his  preface  explaining  his  views  ;  an  explanation  of  his  sj'stem  of  escutcheon  marks ; 
descriptions  of  the  various  escutcheons  and  their  indications  of  value  and  quantity, 
and  directions  how  to  apply  them  in  practice,  together  with  the  report  of  the  commis- 
sion of  which  the  author  served  as  secretary.  Nearh'  one  hundred  illustrations  are 
given,  those  of  the  escutcheons  being  photographed  from  the  drawings  in  Guenon's 
last  revised  edition." — Country  Gentleman  and  Cultivator. 

"  Remarkable  as  was  M.  Guenon's  method,  and  although  his  discoveries  were  duly 
made  known  in  this  country,  tliis  is  the  first  time  that  his  methods  have  been  compiled 
for  practical  use.  By  the  use  of  this  little  handbook,  there  can  be  no  doubt,  but  that 
farmers  and  stock  raisers  would  save  a  vast  amount  of  money.  The  explanations  are 
simple  and  easily  followed,  the  numerous  illustrations  serving  to  elucidate  the  text." — 
Boston  Evening  Traveler. 

"  Beginning  with  a  little  sketch  of  the  method  of  the  birth  of  the  system  in  Guenon's 
mind,  the  author  goes  on  in  a  clear  and  concise  manner  to  explain  by  plain  language 
and  appropriate  drawings,  the  various  so  called  '  milk  mirrors '  and  their  values,  being 
properly  understood,  as  aids  in  selecting  good  dairy  stock.  The  various  opinions  of 
those  adverse  to  the  'theory  '  are  fairly  discussed,  and  the  reports  of  various  agricul- 
tural societies  which  have  from  time  to  time  investigated  it  are  given,  together  with 
the  report  of  the  Pennsylvania  commission.  Taken  altogether,  Mr.  Haz;\rd  has  suc- 
ceeded in  making  a  very  readable,  interesting  and  valuable  book,  and  one  which, 
whatever  may  or  may  not  be  the  preconceived  ideas  of  its  reader,  cannot  fail  to  interest 
and  instruct  him  upon  a  subject  which  should  be  far  better  understood  amongst  farmers 
generallj^,  than  it  at  present  is." — New  England  Homestead. 

"A  very  valuable  pamphlet.  Mr.  Hazard  has  devoted  great  attention  and  study  to 
the  subject,  with  a  view  of  rendering  the  system  popular,  and  we  happen  to  know 
that  his  work  is  largely  appreciated,  especially  by  the  farmers  of  New  England,  from 
the  number  of  orders  received  for  the  book.  The  discovery  made  by  Mr.  Guenon, 
and  the  practical  principles  founded  on  it  are  invaluable,  andthe  saving  to  the  country 
by  its  general  knowledge  will  be  very  great.  The  State  of  Pennsylvania,  in  1878,  ap- 
pointed a  commission  to  test  the  sj^stem  and  report  on  it.  Mr.  Hazard  was  a  member 
of  the  commission,  and  has  added  the  results  of  much  study  and  research.  He  has  been 
invited  to  lecture  and  present  the  subject  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Massachusetts 
State  Board  of  Agriculture,  at  Greenfield,  and  has  many  invitations  and  engagements 
in  other  places." — Massachtisetts  Ploughman. 

"  This  volume  embraces  all  the  essential  matters  in  Guenon's  treatise.  It  ia  really  a 
valuable  contribution  to  dairy  literature." — Southern  Cultivator. 

"  Every  farmer  should  study  Guenon." — Farm  Journal. 

♦'Dairymen  and  stock  raisers  should  send  for  a  copy."— iJwraZ  Nebraska, 


EXTRACTS  FROM  THE  MUCH  LARGER  NOTICES  OF  THE  WORK. 


How  TO  Select  Cows  ;  oe,  the  Guenon  System  Explained.  By  Willis  P.  Haz- 
ard. In  no  way  is  the  march  of  improvement  in  agriculture  more  decided  than  in  the 
new  discoveries'and  new  methods  of  developing  its  resources.  It  is  owing  to  these  that 
America  is  now  the  granarv  of  the  world,  and,  as  years  roll  by,  if  the  developments 
of  the  next  decade  are  as  great  in  proportion  as  the  last  ones,  no  matter  how  extensive 
the  foreign  demand,  there  will  be  an  ample  supply  at  still  lower  prices  than  at  the 
present.  No  branch  of  agricultural  interests  has  changed  so  much  and  received  such 
an  impetus,  especially  within  the  last  five  years,  as  the  dairy.  Entire  new  modes  of 
makino-  butter  and  cheese  and  of  setting  milk  have  largely  taken  place  of  the  old  ones. 
Competition  in  making  dairy  products  becomes  keener  each  year,  and  every  process 
by  which  the  labor  can  be  lessened,  or  the  products  be  cheapened,  meets  with  recom- 
pense. 

The  first  step,  however,  is  in  the  selection  of  good  stock,  for  by  it  the  product  of  the 
herd  is  increased  from  twentv-five  to  thirty-three  per  cent.,  and,  therefore,  the  protits 
must  be  immenselv  greater. '  The  old  plan  of  our  forefathers  of  judging  of  the  value 
of  a  cow  by  a  crunipled  horn  and  a  large  bag  is  now  set  aside  by  recent  discoveries. 
The  most  important  and  most  reliable  ono  is  that  of  Mons.  Francois  Guenon,  of  Li- 
bourne,  France.  After  a  series  of  experiments  he  was  convinced  there  were  outward 
marks  in  the  hair  which  were  an  indication  of  the  yield  and  quality  of  all  cows. 
Patientlj^  for  manj^  years  he  labored  at  forming  his  discoveries  into  a  system,  with 
classes  and  orders  of  each  variation.  He  was  finally  rewarded  by  the  approval  of  all 
the  leading  agricultural  societies  in  France,  and  by  that  government  with  a  pension 
of  three  thousand  francs. 

The  work  of  Guenon  was  partially  translated  and  published  in  this  country  years 
ago,  but  it  was  his  first  crude  effort,  and  it  presented  the  new  science  in  so  crude  a 
form  as  rather  to  dismay  the  learner  than  to  invite  him  to  master  it.  Last  year  the 
State  of  Pennsylvania  appointed  a  commission  of  three  well-known  agriculturists  and 
experts  to  test  the  svstem  and  report  upon  it.  That  report  was  printed  and  published 
to  the  extent  of  twehtj'-five  thousand  copies,  which  but  partially  supplied  the  demand. 
Messrs.  Blight,  Harvey,  and  Hazard  examined  the  escutcheons  of  two  hundred  cows, 
and  interpreted  them  as  regards  the  quantity,  quality,  and  time  of  the  yield  of  each 
animal.  Alongside  of  their  statements  the  kno-wledge  of  the  owner  of  each  cow  was 
printed,  and  it  is  truly  wonderful  how  accurately  the  character  of  each  cow  is  given 
by  these  gentlemen  who  had  never  seen  the  cattle  before.  The  gist  of  their  report 
was  that  the  svstem  was  invaluable  and  worthy  of  adoption  by  every  farmer,  and  such, 
adoption  would  add  millions  of  value  to  the  improved  herds  of  the  country. 

Upon  the  publication  of  this  report,  discussions  took  place  in  the  leading  agricul- 
tural journals,  and  thus  has  been  created  a  demand  for  more  easily  to  be  acquired 
knowledge  upon  the  whole  subject.  Willis  P.  Hazard,  the  secretary  of  the  commis- 
sion, has  prepared  a  complete  treatise  vipon  Guenon's  system,  and  it  has  been  just 
issued  in  a  clieap  form,  for  wide  circulation. 

Mr.  Hazard  in  his  book  gives  a  sketch  of  the  life  of  M.  Guenon  and  the  progress  of 
his  system,  and  then  fully  explains  it,  so  that  in  this  simplified  form  any  one  can 
quickly  learn  all  the  points  so  as  to  readih^  apply  it.  The  opinions  of  others,  both  pro 
and  con,  are  introduced,  argued,  and  answered,  so  that  in  this  volume  one  gets  a  full 
historv  and  account  of  the  system,  and  its  practical  application  is  made  easy.  There 
is  a  profusion  of  engravings,  photographed  from  Guenon's  designs,  which  thoroughly 
elucidate  the  text  and  render  it  a  valuable  handbook  which  no  farmer  can  afford  to  do 
without,  and  which  amateur  agriculturists  will  find  a  most  interesting  development  of 
a  wonderful  discovery. — Philadelphia  Inquirer, 

"A  gentleman  Avell  known  amon^  the  dairymen,  and  who  was  appointed  by  the 
Governor  of  Pennsylvania  to  investigate  the  value  and  practicability  of  the  Guenon 
system.  He  was  induced  to  undertake  the  explanation  of  the  system,  which  he  has 
very  abh-  performed  in  this  volume.  The  low  price  at  which  it 'is  offered  should  in- 
duce every  one  even  in  the  smallest  manner  engaged  in  breeding  or  management  of 
cows  to  procure  a  copy  of  it." — American  Farmer,  Baltimore, 

"At  the  New  York  State  fair,  in  September,  1879,  Mr.  Hazard  applied  the  Guenon 
system  to  a  large  number  of  cows  of  different  breeds  on  exhibition,  and  told  the 
amount  of  milk  each  gave,  as  indicated  by  the  escutcheon  theory.  A  conmiittco,  with 
Col.  F.  D.  Curtis  as  chairman,  was  appointed  to  accompany  him,  and  they  state  in  their 
report  that  he  was  generally  accurate,  not  varying  in  any  instance  more  tlian  two  quarts 
in  stating  the  daily  average  yield,  and  in  most  cases  giving  the  amount  exactly,  and 
also  the  lime  the  cows  would  give  milk.  He  made  his  estimate  on  the  average  daily 
vield  for  the  first  three  months  after  calving,  on  liberal  feed.  In  one  or  two  instances 
he  over  rated  the  cows,  but  generally  where  there  was  any  difference  lie  was  under 
the  amount  stated  by  the  owners.  Mr.  Hazard  tafees  into  consideration  in  his  estimates 
the  size  of  the  cow  and  her  whole  contour,  as  well  as  the  character  of  tlio  skin.  His 
round  of  observation  is  first  tlie  shape  of  the  escutehcon,  then  the  milk  veins  and 
quality  of  the  skin.  He  offered  to  have  the  cows  blanketed  and  then  tell  their  milk- 
ing capacity,  but  this  was  not  done.    It  is  fair  to  say  that  he  judges  mainly  by  the 


escutcheoni    The  tests  attracted  a  large  circle  of  breeders,  who  were  greatly  interested 
novelty  and  general  accuracy."— Coi.  Curtis  in  2\ew  YorkTribune. 


on  account  of  the 


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